1942-2026
LaVera Marie Simms, 83, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away January 23, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born October 30, 1942, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Clyde and Helen (Collier) Narron. LaVera graduated from Haven High School, Haven, Kansas, with the class of 1961. She served in the United States Army from September 18, 1961 until her honorable discharge on November 26, 1962. LaVera was a secretary for USD 405, Lyons, for many years. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Lyons, where she taught Sunday School. LaVera had a passion for children and devoted her life caring for them. She was a board member at Cornerstone Daycare, Four Season’s Girl Scout Leader, and Boy Scout Leader. She enjoyed bowling, crocheting, knitting, and multiple other crafts. On December 23, 1962, LaVera was united in marriage to the love of her life, William Lee Simms in Weston, West Virginia. LaVera is survived by her loving husband, Bill Simms of Lyons, KS; four children, Brenda Simms of Hutchinson, KS, Sandra Owens of Hutchinson, KS, Bill Sims of Denver, CO, and Tracy Koehler of Overland Park, KS; eleven grandchildren, Brian Owens (Grace), Tarah Bartlett (Tim), Daniel Owens (Jenna), Adam Koehler, Hannah Koehler, Madalyn Koehler, Kimberli Simms, Kiani Simms, Tavion Simms, Nardazia Gallagher (William), and Ziya Simms; and seven great-grandchildren, Brian Owens II, Teagan Bartlett, Olivia Owens, Bennett Owens, Tatum Bartlett, Hudson Gallagher, and Evangeline Gallagher. LaVera is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Helen Narron; son-in-law, Steven Owens; and seven siblings, Wilma Brown, Cletus Narron, Phyllis Turner, Donald Narron, Garry Narron, Dennis Narron, and Jimmie Narron. Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the First Baptist Church, Lyons, with Pastor Joel Grizzle officiating. Burial will follow at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 30, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons. Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church or Cornerstone Daycare- Scholarship Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.
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