Mary Ellen (Jabens) Simnacher

MARY ELLEN (JABENS) SIMNACHER

Vinton

Mary Ellen (Jabens) Simnacher, 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, at her home in Vinton.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. Sixth St., in Vinton. At Mary's request, the casket will be closed to the public. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton.

Mary was born on Nov. 17, 1943, on the family farm near Garrison, the daughter of Hans and Mary (Harrison) Jabens. She graduated from Garrison High School, with the class of 1962. On June 12, 1963, She was united in marriage to Wayne Simnacher in Garrison.

Mary worked at Virginia Gay Hospital and later at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab for over 40 years as the activity director. Following retirement, she used her skills as a seamstress and perfectionist to open riverside Trim All, specializing in upholstery for furniture and automobiles. She enjoyed gardening and landscaping on the couple's acreage, as well as caring for the animals and pets on the property. She also enjoyed day trips in her convertible with friends and going on trips with Wayne in his coupe to see the countryside. Mary served as an "adopted" mother to many of her son's friends while they were growing up.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne; sons, Dwayne Simnacher and David Simnacher, all of Vinton; and her nephews, Paul Jabens, Dan Jabens and Kurt Kerkman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; special grandma, Mary Inez Harrison; and her sister, Ann Marie Kerkman.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.