Lois Jean Simons

Lois Jean Taft Simons, age 96, departed this world on February 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born on April 18, 1928, in Northville, Michigan, Lois was the beloved daughter of the late Gerald and Carrie Taft (nee Litsenberger).

Lois is survived by her devoted children: Mark (Susana) Simons, Jeffrey (Jan) Simons, and Joel (Kat) Simons, and son-in-law Dean Meinnert,. She took great pride in her grandchildren, including Wesley Simons, Christie (Robert) Fischer, Kathleen (Chris) Jenner, Brett (Alexandra) Simons, Mary Claypool (Peter Ehresmann), Heaven (Russell) Manning, Maggie (Joe) Barley, Jamie (Sean) Malin, and Tess (Curtis) Stephenson. She was blessed with 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of joy in her life. 

Lois was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Keith Simons, as well as her children Bill Simons and Melanie Meinnert, and her brother, Bill Taft.

Throughout her life, Lois embraced various passions, finding joy in book clubs, crafting, sewing, and knitting. An avid reader and exceptional cook, she also relished gardening and made the most of her travels. In her youth she traveled around the country with her family to show Morgan Horses. As an adult she would try almost any activity including cross-country skiing, golfing, and even water skiing. Even in her 60’s, Lois had the love and energy to be the caretaker for Heaven, Jamie and Maggie while Melanie was deployed at sea with the Navy. 

Lois was known for her vibrant spirit and unwavering energy, particularly evident in her active involvement with her church in Peoria, Illinois, running the bed and breakfast with her sister-in-law in Charlevoix Michigan, locally at Cottingham Retirement Community, and recently at the Lodge Nursing and Rehab Center. She never met a stranger, and she made friends wherever she was.

Above all, Lois adored her family, cherishing the moments spent with her children and grandchildren. A private service will be held in her honor by the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the MS Society, Cincinnati Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, or Hospice of Cincinnati, honoring Lois's spirit of generosity and compassion.