1938-2026
Rosemary Ann Simon was born on February 10, 1938, to Harold and Charlotte (Cooney) Robson in Alva, Oklahoma. She passed away on January 6, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 87.
A graduate of St. Mary of the Plains High School in Dodge City, Rosemary completed a year of nurse's training before dedicating her life to her family. As a devoted homemaker and a lively entertainer alongside her husband Harry, she was the heart of a home fueled by the energy of five vivacious and busy children.
Rosemary’s compassion knew no bounds, particularly when it came to animals. It was common knowledge throughout the county that no stray would ever be turned away from the Simon driveway. Her home became a sanctuary for an eclectic menagerie, including five black labs all named Arnold, and cats so numerous she earned the title of "The Cat Lady"—a mantle she proudly passed down to several of her granddaughters. The family menagerie also included skunks, raccoons, rabbits, mice, and baby chicks, and even extended to fostering baby calves until they were mature enough to head to the dairy farm.
When she wasn’t tending to her family or her animals, Rosemary was a force to be reckoned with at the card table. She played in pitch and poker groups her entire life, famously playing a "ferocious" game. She even surprised herself during a trip to Las Vegas by hitting a royal flush jackpot. Her competitive and social spirit also shone through in bowling; she was a fixture on both women’s and mixed leagues for decades.Beyond her games and animals, Rosemary was a gifted needlewoman. Her love for cross-stitching, embroidery, and quilting was a gift she shared generously; she hand-crafted numerous pillowcase sets for loved ones and special baby quilts for every one of her 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, as well as for many dear friends. She found great joy in her craft, continuing to stitch and quilt until the final three months of her life.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Charlotte Robson; her brothers, William and Patrick Robson; her beloved husband, Harold "Harry" Simon; her son Michael Simon; and her infant son, James “Jamie” Simon.
She is survived by her sister, Jane LeMaster; her children: Pamela Simon of Denver, CO; Mary Weinman of Wichita, KS; Patrick (Shannon) Simon of Andale, KS; and Kelly (Angela) Simon of Colwich, KS; as well as 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous loved nieces and nephews.
The Rosary will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026 and the Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, both at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 311 S. 5th St., Colwich, KS 67030.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Â Sacred Heart Catholic Church Building Fund, 311 S. 5th St., Colwich, KS 67030 or Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside St., Wichita, KS 67219.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosemary Ann (Robson) Simon, please visit our floral store.
