Elizabeth U. Simmons

Elizabeth U. Simmons of Trumansburg passed away on October 14, 2015 at the Bixby Home at the age of 89.

Bessie was born in Reynoldsville, a daughter of the late Earl and Ada (Murphy) Updike. She was very active in the Trumansburg community, volunteering at the Gemm Shop, was a member of Trumansburg Senior Citizens, Podunk Ladies Group, and life member of Enfield Ladies Auxiliary. Up until 2011 Bessie operated a craft and vegetable stand at her home on Waterburg Road where she sold her fruits and vegetables from her extensive gardens and beautiful handmade crafted items.

Bessie is survived by one son, Charles (Sue) Simmons; three daughters, Hester Covert of Ithaca, Julia (Ted) Clawson of Hector, and Robin Updike of Interlaken; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; a sister, Anna Purtell; a brother, James (Maggie) Updike; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Simmons in 2006; four sisters, Ruth Brown, Kathleen Wellin, Fern Thompson, and Barbara Gooding; two sons in law, Arthur Covert and Norman Updike; and a granddaughter, Amy Covert.

The family will be present to receive friends from 10:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, October 23, 2015 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. Funeral Services will immediately follow, at 12:00pm, at the funeral home with prayers of committal following in Grove Cemetery.

The family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Bessie’s memory to kindly consider the Trumansburg Volunteer Fire Co., EMS, PO Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886.