Roxielena Simmons

Roxielena Nicholas Simmons, 90, of Ashland, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, at home, with her family at her side after a long and blessed life. She was born June 30, 1936, in Charleston, W.Va., the daughter of the late Zona Ellen and Herbert Fenton Nicholas. In addition to her parents and stepfather, W.H. Gibson, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Charles H. Simmons, her oldest daughter, Robin Sue Kendall of Ashland; a sister, Beulah Mae Hatton of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and half-brothers. Roxie, as she was lovingly known to everyone, was a 1954 graduate of Clendenin High School, a member of First Baptist Church in Ashland, and a pioneer in the workforce who went from typewriting at IBM in Charleston to using computers as one of the first women in the IT field. She retired from both Ashland Oil and American Electric Power in Ashland. She was a woman with an independent spirit and strong character who passed that strength on to her children. She was also proud to support her husband, Charlie, who was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a longtime Ashland master electrician. Roxie and Charlie enjoyed traveling to see their children and grandchildren. For many years, they would spend the warm winter months in Florida, hosting the family at their home in Ormond Beach. Some of her hobbies included sewing and crocheting blankets for her family. Roxie was a gifted pianist and loved playing the piano and singing with her children, friends, and in the choir. Music of all kinds was always important in their household. She enjoyed playing word games, especially Scrabble, which she most always won. In later years, she loved watching birds (and squirrels), Lawrence Welk, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and old videos of her grandchildren as babies. She is survived by a son and three daughters and their families: Julie Simmons Capuder, Jenny and Scott Mayer of Haubstadt, Ind., Phillip and Leesa Simmons of Spartanburg, S.C., and Catherine and Allen Blair of Mt. Sterling, Ky.; eight grandchildren, Sheli DeLaney, Lauren Simmons Hurst, and Michael Simmons, Taylor Giles and Katie Giles Rossano, Catie Blair, Mandi Zemberi, and Jason Mayer; several great grandchildren, and cousins of her and her husband's families in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller Funeral Home in Ashland, where friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday with the Chaplain Jimm Smedley officiating. Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at the graveside. Roxie’s final resting place will be with her husband Charlie at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North East. In her memory, and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Ashland Animal Rescue Fund or Shelter of Hope. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mfhfuneralhome.com.

Roxielena Simmons

June 30, 1936 - August 16, 2026