Arlis Gale (Ely) Simmons

Arlis Gale (Ely) Simmons was born on her family farm where Waurika Lake now stands, close to Hastings on June 8, 1930. She transitioned to her heavenly home on Aug. 15th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

The early years of Arlis’ life were spent on the farm, attending church and school, and playing basketball for Comanche High school, from which she graduated in 1948. Arlis attended Draughon’s Business College and then married Byron Simmons on Nov. 4, 1950 in Duncan, OK. They resided in Wichita Falls, Texas where she gave birth to all 5 of her children and worked with Byron in their furniture repair and refinishing business. They then moved their family to Comanche in 1972, where they moved their furniture business and bought a ranch close to Arlis’ family homestead.

In addition to raising a family, Arlis and Byron faithfully attended and served first at First United Methodist Church in Comanche for a number of years, including volunteering as youth leaders, later she transferred her membership to Ray of Hope Church. Arlis was passionate about her relationship with Jesus, and joyfully served her Savior by caring for members in need: if they were sick, Arlis would visit them, if they were hungry, Arlis would feed them. She was famous for her lovingly prepared meals, usually made with produce from her large garden and home-raised beef. Countless family dinners were shared with anyone who happened to stop by the ranch for lunch, and countless rolls were baked and distributed to church members who could not get out.

She loved her family, was constantly caring for her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She loved playing games, especially dominos, and would regularly host or attend marathon domino sessions through the years.

After Byron’s death in 1994, Arlis spread her wings and began to explore the more that is promised in the bible by fervently searching for all she could find about the Holy Spirit. She attended conferences, retreats, and even enrolled in a ministry program in Kansas City for two semesters, dedicating her life to worship, prayer, and a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Arlis was preceded in Death by her husband Byron Simmons, her parents Wheeler Myron and Mary Elizabeth Ely, her sister May Margaret Pope, her brother Jim Ely, and her daughter-in-law Carolyn Simmons.

She leaves behind five children, Gary Simmons, of Daingerfield, Texas, Larry Simmons, of Comanche, Janice Turner, of Burkburnett, Texas, Danny Simmons, of Harrah, Dawn and Tim Martin, of Keller, Texas.

She had 28 grandchildren, Chuck Ralls, and his wife, Lisa; Chad Simmons, Lance Simmons, and Kay Callahan; Rachel Masoner and her husband Joe, Bree Medcalf and her husband Michael (Hooter); and Cade Simmons and his wife Adedria, Salena Hankins, and her husband Cody, and Lakota Simmons; Ashley Powell, and her husband Stanley Powell, Quinton Simmons and his wife Mykell, Keith Griffith, and his wife Robyn, Byron Simmons, and Candesse Minor and her husband Aaron; and Amy Lloyd Griffin and her husband Jeff, Sarah Martin, and Tyler Martin.

She also leaves behind 22 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Arlis Simmons has left behind a legacy of love, care, and devotion that will leave a lasting imprint on every person she met.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Ray of Hope Church, 281300 E Refinery Rd, Comanche, OK 73533. There will be no viewing.