Renee Linette Simpson

April 04, 2022

Reneé Linette Simpson, age 57, of Duncan, Oklahoma, passed away March 31, 2022 at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston TX. Born in Duncan, OK, she is the daughter of James and Gail Churchman and Geary Burton. She met the love of her life, Alan Simpson, on a blind date arranged by her best friend, Debbie Deimund. They would have celebrated their 30th anniversary on May 30th this year.

Linette’s faith and family were her life. She was an active member of the Ray of Hope Church. She and Alan spent many years as youth ministers and mission team leaders. Linette served in many ways; everything from leading Bible studies to teaching youth members how to ski on spring break trips. Once, (after a lot of convincing) she even played the part of an angel in the annual Easter play.

Of all her achievements and titles, being Nana was her favorite. You would often find her with her grandkids hiking in the Wichita Mountains or starting a game in her backyard. She never missed an opportunity to babysit or watch a soccer game. She loved going to the ocean and was always looking to add a family beach trip to the calendar.

Linette was also a beloved friend. Her home was always open for game nights and hosting celebrations. She would travel at least once a year with her girlfriends. Their adventures took them all over the country.

Linette graduated from Comanche High School in 1982. She later became an educator at Comanche Elementary School for 33 years, where she impacted generations of students in our community. She was more than a teacher. She was a mentor, caregiver, and sometimes surrogate mother. She would quietly meet needs that stretched way beyond the classroom. In addition, she took countless kids on trips to Washington D.C. every year because she believed in the value of student travel. Her favorite times in education were the many years she taught side by side with her mom and sister.

Linette is preceded in death by her father, Geary Burton. She is survived by husband, Alan Simpson; her parents James and Gail Churchman; her children: Jared Whaley, his wife Kelleigh and their children, Caris and Shepard; Jody Whaley, his wife Brittany and their son Trey; and Jenny Kelly, her husband Connor and their children Charlotte and Pryor; her sister and brother-in-law, Karee and Clayton Presgrove; her brothers and sisters-in-law: Todd and Holly Churchman and Brian and Ruth Ann Churchman; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Whitt Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 6, from 5:00-7:00pm. Services will be held on Thursday, April 7, at Ray of Hope Church at 2:00 pm. Interment will take place in the Duncan Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Charis Pregnancy Center of Duncan or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.