Barbara A. Simpson

Barbara A. Simpson, age 79 of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL. She was born on Wednesday, April 05, 1933, in Buda, IL, the daughter of Forrest M. and Edythe M. (nee Grubb) Olson. On Saturday, September 19, 1953, she married Jerry H. Simpson who passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Highland, IL; Retired Teachers Association; Flower Committee at church; Merry Widows of the Church, American Baptist Women. Born and reared at Buda, Illinois. A 1951 graduate of Buda High School; attended Western Illinois College for one year in 1952. After marriage she worked for Pioneer Seed Company; she lived 8 months in Hawaii with her husband while he served in the US Navy. Later she and her husband farmed and she worked for a Buick dealership at Wyanet, IL. In 1961 they quit farminig and moved to Wood River, later to Glen Carbon and then Highland, IL. She attended SIU Edwardsville and graduated in 1968. She began teaching at the Highland Primary School; she taught 3rd grade for 25 years, retiring in 1994. She was also the Vice President of Jerry\'s Bait and Tackle, now called Jerry's Tackle and Guns, Highland, IL. The business started in 1973 in their home; in the last few years she has been less active in the shop. She enjoyed crocheting; playing solitaire and Sudoku; loved to read; sewing, (including baby clothes) and had won the Illinois State 4-H sewing contest in 1949. Survivors include: Son - Michael J. (Christine) Simpson, Swansea, IL Daughter - Mary Ann Simpson, Highland, IL Grandchild - Kyle M. (Jennifer) Simpson, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Charles K. Simpson, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Ryder M. Simpson, Highland, IL Step Grandchild - Sarah C. (significant other-Steven E. Roesch) Heisel (twin), Swansea, IL Step Grandchild - SSgt. Amanda C. Heisel, USAF, (twin) , Travis AFB, CA Step Grandchild - Tiffany N. (Jeremy) Ulmer, Greenville, IL Anticipated Step Great Granddaughter-Clementine C. Roesch (anticipated date of birth 3/15/2013) Brother - William Olson, Mesa, AZ Sister - Margaret (Richard) Matson, Metamora, IL Sister - Judith (Eugene) Watkins, Henry, IL. She was preceded in death by: Father - Forrest M. Olson Mother - Edythe Mae Olson (nee Grubb) Husband - Jerry H. Simpson (died 04/24/2012).

Barbara A. Simpson

April 5, 1933 - February 19, 2013