Wanda Jean Simkins

Wanda Jean Simkins, age 86, of Chamois, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2017. She was born in Winslow, Arizona on August 31, 1930, the sixth of seven daughters born to the late Ernest Frank and Mattie Laura Jackson Gooch. Jean married Robert Cecil Simkins in 1949 and raised their two children after his untimely demise. She then married Irvan 'Stumpy' Stumph and deeply mourned his loss to complications of Alzheimer's in 2004. Although retired from San Bernardino City Hall, Jean was an integral part of Chester Stumph and Son, her family's searchlight and stage equipment business. In operation for 75 years, Stumph and Son provided lighting and sound for television, movies, stage productions, and outdoor events. Their credits include NASA/Dryden, where they developed and implemented an interface between space shuttle astronauts, mission control, television coverage, and live audiences at Edwards Air Force Base during shuttle recoveries. Their innovative work enabled large venue concerts like CalJAM 1 and 2 and US Festivals. Their stage lighting illuminated the Rolling Stones first American concert. Jean and Stumpy were dedicated to helping children discover music and theater. Stage equipment and musical instruments were donated to youth organizations and community projects, particularly in their hometown of San Bernardino. They actively supported children's hospitals through Al Malaikah Shrine. Affectionately known as Grandma Jean to all who touched her life, she loved to read and collected old books. She thoroughly enjoyed working crossword puzzles (in ink) and was skilled in carpentry, masonry, and business administration. Jean is survived by her daughter, Bobby Jean of Chamois; her son, Donald (Elissa) of Texas; four grandchildren: William Rowe, Wendy Binggeli (Christopher), Katherine Simkins (Paul), Michelle Stanley; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; beloved family including Randy Durham, the Coffman Family, the Bartlett Family, the McGaughey Family, and Bill and Dawna Rowe's family. She loved all who touched her life, especially her best friend of 60 years, Barbara Code. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, six sisters, and her granddaughter, Brandy Rowe. Her family invites neighbors and friends to join their celebration of her life at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 25, at Millard Family Chapels in Chamois. Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m., followed by private burial in Chamois City Cemetery. In acknowledgement of Wanda Jean Simkins' passion for nature, science, and exploration, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Millard Family Funeral Chapel, Second and Market Street, Chamois, MO 65024 (573) 763-5658. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com