Feb 09, 1944---Jul 31, 2022

  Sharon K. Simms, 78, of Shawnee, KS, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family.  The Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. with the visitation from 4-6 p.m. Friday, August 5, at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS.  The Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 6 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS.  Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the KU Endowment to benefit the MS Achievement Center at KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044, or to St. Joseph Catholic Church of Shawnee.

  Sharon was born February 9, 1944, in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Tschirhart) Sulzen.  She worked as a Legal Secretary for Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy for 25 years before retiring in 1992.  Sharon was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee.  Sharon significantly impacted the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) community over the last 35 years.  She, along with Dr. Sharon Lynch, was one of the founding members of the MS Achievement Center (MSAC).  The MSAC is a place to enhance the quality of life for those with MS.  Sharon was instrumental in helping their shared dream become a reality.  Her legacy will live thru this organization for years to come.  As part of her passion for assisting those living with MS, Sharon was the JoCo MS Support Group Facilitator for 30 years.  Only the recent pandemic ever prevented the group from meeting in person.  While volunteering countless hours for the National MS Society-Mid America Chapter, she created the “Adopt A Rider” program for the MS150 Bike Ride and provided strong leadership of the local MS Walk in Lenexa for years. 

  Along with her tireless efforts on behalf of the MS community, Sharon was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  She touched countless lives, inspiring her family, friends, church, and MS communities with her spiritual, positive, and inspirational presence.  Her absence will leave a hole that only the memory of her kindness can begin to fill for those lucky enough to know her.  

  We want to thank Advanced Home Health & Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, kindness and love towards Sharon.  Thank you for helping us navigate this journey with her.  

  Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Charles Simms, in 2007. She is survived by two sons, Kevin Simms and his wife, Karrie, and Shawn Simms and Dana; two daughters, Tanya Gassett and her husband Chris, and Melissa Payne and her husband Tom; grandchildren,  Cari, Katherine, Austin, Devin, Derek, Mackenzie, Michael, Sophia, Cody, Kyle, Isabelle, and Logan; two great-grandchildren, Adam and Kaylee.  

 

 

 



Condolences

Susan Van Winkle Jul 31, 2022

I am a member of the MSAC ,Leawood ,Kansas

I’m so sorry for your loss.✝️❤️🙏 🤗

Kathy L Ness Aug 01, 2022

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Dear Family I am so so sorry for your loss. I got to know Sharon when I attended the Monday group. She always had a smile on her face! I will truly miss her!! Kathy Ness

Jo Ann Boyd Aug 02, 2022

friend/classmate ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I am so sorry for your loss of Sharon. I have known Sharon since first grade at St. Joseph Grade School. We always sat close together in school. I was aware of all the problems she had with her health since her accident when she was in High School. Throughout the years I would encounter Sharon at various activities. I was so impressed when she became active with the ms programs after her own diagnosis. I last saw her at our fiftieth HS reunion. She was still the gracious and friendly person that I always knew. This lovely lady will be missed by many. Jo Ann Bergman Koch Boyd

Cindy Ritchey Aug 02, 2022

neighbor ,Olathe ,Kansas

So sorry for your loss. I know she will be deeply missed. Prayers and sympathy for your family. Sincerely, Cindy Ritchey

Mary Franzke Aug 02, 2022

I’m so very sorry to hear of your mom passing. She was an amazing woman and did some great work for the MS community! Love to all, Mary Frances

Tina Baker Aug 02, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing! She was a wonderful gift for the world I will never forget her kindness and he spirituality! She was an inspiration to all who knew her ! Love you all and I hold you in prayer 🙏

Ken and Tracey Meade Aug 05, 2022

Friend of Devin Simms ,Overland Park ,Kansas

We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family during this difficult time.

Debbie Bonebrake Aug 24, 2022

Friend of Sharon - MS Support Group ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I am so thankful that Sharon helped me for so many years in my own journey with MS. Her forever smile and sincere embrace of care will always be a fond memory, and her support of so many others with MS in the area has left a lasting legacy. I'll miss you, Sharon! Debbie

Services

Event:
Rosary
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Aug 05, 2022
Time:
4:00 PM
Google Map:
Event:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Aug 05, 2022
Time:
4:00 PM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Address:
11311 Johnson Drive
City:
Shawnee
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66203
Date:
Aug 06, 2022
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map: