Rosalyn Simmons

Rosalyn Simmons (96), beloved Mom, Grandma and GiGi joined husband, Robert; daughter, Susan; brothers, Robert and Donald; parents and other cherished family and friends on February 15, 2026.

Rosalyn was born in Chicago, IL on August 26,1929 to Susan and Samuel Babyar. She married Robert Simmons on May 20,1950; a union that lasted 60 years and produced 3 daughters; Ellen, Susan and Ruth. She and Robert moved from Northern IL to Las Cruces, NM in 1994.

Rosalyn retired from Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL where she was the first female Maintenance Engineering Supervisor. In the early 1970's, she was amongst the first of married women to obtain her own credit card in her name.

Rosalyn was an active volunteer both in IL and NM. This included the Adult Literacy program, Nature Conservation, Memorial Cancer Center and Mountain View Hospital to name a few. She also enjoyed taking students shopping for clothing and shoes for the start of school.

Rosalyn was a firm believer in exercise. She attended aerobics 3 times a week into her 80's. Other activities included daily 2-mile walks, hiking and swimming. She also regularly attended Sonoma Springs Covenant Church and loved joining in on community festivities which included the Farmers Market, arts & crafts shows, and music at the local wineries. An avid reader, she routinely spent 2 hours reading at bedtime before lights out.

She will be lovingly missed by daughters, Ellen and Ruth and son-in-law. Jerry, 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life gathering with family and friends will be held at a later date.

A heartfelt thank you to Crossroads In-Home Care and High Desert Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Salvation Army, or Roadrunner Food Bank of NM.