Oma Gena Sims

Our feisty little Mom and Grandmother quietly passed from this earth on January 22, with her family at her bedside.  She lived her life by always “checking in” and being present in word and deed for all her cherished family and friends.  All who knew her loved her.  Her very name “Oma” is the German word for granny, and she was granny to not only her own grandchildren, but to countless others along the way.

Oma Gena Burgess was born in Baker Springs, Arkansas on September 30, 1921. She grew up on a farm with six brothers and sisters during the great depression. She married Ralph Sims and they had three daughters before moving to California during the WWll years. Daughter number four was born there.  Oma worked as a nurse at Harbor General Hospital during the war.  At the end of the 50’s the family moved to Wenatchee, WA.  She worked at the Eye and Ear Clinic for 32 years until her retirement in March of 1990. She traveled and enjoyed her leisure life for several years, and then ultimately, because many of her travels took her to be with her children in the Seattle area, she decided to move there. Her final home was in Bothell, WA where she lived a busy life close to her daughters and her grandchildren.  She continued to travel whenever possible and spent many summers in Ogden, Utah or New Mexico with her family.

She was widowed early in her life. Ralph passed away in 1968 and she never remarried.  Although “on her own” for fifty years, she was never without friends, family or adventures.  The adventures are too many to mention but will live in our hearts forever. Although she told us explicitly not to be “sitting around crying with long sad faces” we have failed miserably. The hole in our hearts is huge and we will never be the same. The world was lucky to have been blessed with her presence for 97 years and four months.

She is survived by 3 daughters: Ozella Brunner (widowed), Joanne McDaniel (Donald) both of Bothell, WA, and Juanita Kosoff (David) Ogden, Utah. One daughter, Betty McGaha (Ron) passed away in 2005. She also leaves behind her five dear grandsons and eight precious great-grandchildren.

At her request, there will be no formal funeral.  A celebration of life is being planned in the spring.