Joe M Simas

oe Simas passed away Friday, March 7, 2014, at the family home, surrounded by his loving family. Joe loved family more than anything. He cherished his children; his daughter, Terri and husband Don Keogh; his son, Dave and wife Bonneary; his grandchildren, Sharah and her husband Zak Madrone; Karryn and her husband Bill Abercrombie; and Kelly and his wife Dani; his great-grandchildren, Zo, Erica, Samaya, Quinn, Jacob, and Tierney. He welcomed with a warm heart Bonneary's children: Nitiya, Satheara, and Darren and her gracious mother, Eng. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Daisy Simas; and sisters: Jane, Lillian and Jean. He has one surviving sister, Joava.

The love of his life however was his other half, Betty, married for 65 years beginning on February 27, 1949, in Monument, Oregon. Their love story started from their birth. While the midwife was busy delivering Betty on their family's eastern Oregon ranch, they were getting a call from the neighboring ranch that Daisy Simas was ready to deliver her only son (after 4 daughters), Joseph Junior. Betty was born at the end of the day on November 15, 1929 with Joe arriving early the next day on November 16, 1929. Lots of teasing went on each year when Betty's birthday came and she was "older" than Joe. They grew up as neighbors, went to the same schools, and eventually became boyfriend and girlfriend in high school. A year after graduation (which there were Joe, Betty, and two other classmates), Betty and Joe began their inseparable and joyous journey together as husband and wife.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Wilbur Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Joe's name to the Community Cancer Center, 2880 NW Stewart Parkway, Roseburg, OR, 97471.