Marian Lucille Sims passed away on Monday, December 22, 2014 at her assisted living in Cameron, MO. Marian was born to John and Letis Bonnell on August 14, 1924 at Bethel, MO. Her family later moved to Hamilton, MO., where Marian attended school and graduated from there in 1942.
Marian had one brother, Norvall Bonnell, deceased and four sisters, Bonnie Ikerd and Doris Gage, both deceased and Norma Taggart, Columbia, MO and Betty Zumbrunnen, Spring Hill, KS.
On June 13, 1942, Marian married James Melvin Sims from Coffey, MO. They were married for 59 years when Melvin passed away in October, 2001.
Marian and Melvin had five children, Jim Sims, deceased, Carol Clutter, Linda Warner, Mike Sims and Anita Whitmire. The family had moved numerous times over the years. Most of their married life was spent in Harrison and Daviess Counties.
After Melvin came back from the Navy, a career in farming began. Marian’s working days started when she was a teen and worked in a Defense Plant. After she married and babies started to arrive, she became a stay-at-home Mom. This was not an easy job in those days. No running water, electricity or modern washer and dryer. Burned wood and coal to keep warm in the winter and opened a window for air in the summer. Marian worked hard and never complained about things she never had.
Later in life, Marian had several jobs to keep her busy. She worked at an appliqued shop in Coffey, a nursing home in Bethany and held down several positions at the Coffey School. She was a cook, worked in the library and helped in the preschool class.
In between farming, Marian and Melvin got into the café business. Not just once but four different times in four different locations. Three on Coffey’s main street and one on Highway 13. Marian was a great cook and her customers looked forward to her handmade tenderloins, homemade doughnuts, hot chili and biscuits and gravy.
In August of 2014, Marian celebrated her 90th birthday. Her family honored her with a surprise party and special events. On this occasion her five children wrote their Mom a letter. What better way to honor her today, than to read a few lines from each letter.
Jim expressed that he loved her more than words could ever say. He wrote about the trips they took together and said “We sure had fun everywhere we went and all the things we did. Just remember that no matter what, I love you more than anything.”
Carol wrote “If I had to choose a Mom, I would have chosen you”. I never saw you complain about anyone or anything. One of my proudest moments was to be there with you at church when you gave your testimony. I was so glad to have been there to hear it.
Linda’s letter expressed thanks to her Mom for all the things she had done for her over the years. One special Thank You was for always having a rocking chair and rocking me as a child. I passed on that rocking tradition to my girls. For everything you’ve done for me as an infant, child, a teenager and as an adult, a heartfelt Thank You for being my Mom.
Mike wrote “You did a lot of great things being my Mom. I don’t know how you put up with me, but you did and you always showed love. You wrote me a letter once that was filled with love. My life was going in the wrong direction and you saw that. Everything you said came true. Thanks for being my Mom.
Anita’s letter said that she wanted to thank her for being a wonderful Mom. I appreciated the love you had for Dad. You were not a yeller or fighter. You have survived many physical challenges with such dignity. I love you.
In conclusion from all five letters: She was always a loving Mom. She was kindhearted, compassionate, even tempered, forgiving and gave willingly. You were a blessing and we were so glad you were our Mom.
Over the years Marian had faced some very difficult issues. Her first was when she had colon cancer. Melvin was by her side and helped her recover from her surgery. She never had any re-occurrence of colon cancer. Her second was when she lost her husband, Melvin in 2001. Third was another health issue. She had breast cancer. With the help of her children, she recovered from her surgery and never had a re-occurrence of breast cancer. Twelve years later she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. After having another surgery in November 2013. Her last battle with cancer was lost on December 22, at 10:30 am. She sadly watched her first born child, Jim pass away before her on December 6, 2014. She waited a little over two weeks to see him again.
The cancer took her life but it did not run her life. She was amazing in her strength. Our precious Lady in purple has gone home.
Anyone that knew Melvin, Marian and Jim knew that they were porch swing people. We know that there are three in a porch swing in Heaven today.