1920
Vera
2009
Vera K. Sims
June 26, 1920 — May 2, 2009
Our mother and sister Vera Faith Sims passed quietly away May 2, 2009. She was born June 26, 1920 to Alexander Kreydich and Paraskeiva (Pearl) Karluk Kreydich at home in Chicago, Illinois. Vera lived an active exciting life playing with her seven siblings, swimming in Lake Michigan, playing tennis and golf, and composing and singing western songs. She also played in the Russian Orthodox church orchestra and sang in the choir with her father and brothers.
Vera attended Pulman Tech Junior High and High School where she graduated as both the eighth grade and twelfth grade (1937) valedictorian of her class. She achieved the highest speed for typing and short hand breaking school records.
Vera married Edward F. Sims, Sr. on September 13, 1942 in Warrenton, Missouri. Both Vera and Ed worked in Chicago for several years after their marriage in order to achieve their goal of buying a farm. In 1947 they purchased a farm near New Truxton, Missouri. Vera truly believed her place was working beside her husband as a help mate. Not only was she a wonderful cook and mother, she drove tractors because she loved the out doors, planted an acre of garden each year, as well as canned and preserved most of their food.
In 1956 Vera and Ed moved to a farm near Sherrard, Illinois where Vera loved her job as secretary to the Rock Island Arsenal chief of police earning honors as an out standing office manager. She also acted as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, and choir director at Cable Community church for many years where her energetic happiness expressed her love for God and his children.
One of Vera's most treasured and hard earned accomplishments included winning first place in the 1974 International TOPS weight loss contest. Over the years Vera encouraged many Quad City women to loose weight.
Surviving relatives include her son and his wife Edward F. Sims Jr. and Pam of Milan, Illinois. Their children William Sims (Orion, IL) and Heather (Brian) Jochum (Lakeside Park, KY). Her daughter Jennie Lou and husband Thomas Lillpop of Grand Junction, Colorado. Their daughters include Corene (Stan) Jack (Broomfield, CO), Christine (Ryan) Houdek (Ft. Collins, CO), Amy (Eric) Gustovson, and Kendra Beamon (Grand Junction, CO). Her grandchildren fondly remember her as the "happy" grandmother. Great Grandchildren include Nathaniel and Benjamin Jack, Espen Gustovson, Kyle Beamon, and Chace and Brody Jochum. Her sister Elizabeth Toth (Davenport, Iowa) and brothers James (Marge) Kreydich, Frank Kreydich, Sister-in-law Agnes Kreydich (all from the Chicago area), sister-in-law Elizabeth Sims (Perry, OK). Vera especially appreciated her beloved nieces and nephews and their children.
Vera Sims was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Edward F. Sims, Sr. Her parents, brothers Joseph, John, Alexander II, and Walter Kreydich and sister Jennie Kreydich Preul.
The family would especially like to thank the staff members at Avonlea cottage for their care and support over the past three years. Private family services will be held. Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl Funeral Home, Ltd. is assisting the family.
Vera attended Pulman Tech Junior High and High School where she graduated as both the eighth grade and twelfth grade (1937) valedictorian of her class. She achieved the highest speed for typing and short hand breaking school records.
Vera married Edward F. Sims, Sr. on September 13, 1942 in Warrenton, Missouri. Both Vera and Ed worked in Chicago for several years after their marriage in order to achieve their goal of buying a farm. In 1947 they purchased a farm near New Truxton, Missouri. Vera truly believed her place was working beside her husband as a help mate. Not only was she a wonderful cook and mother, she drove tractors because she loved the out doors, planted an acre of garden each year, as well as canned and preserved most of their food.
In 1956 Vera and Ed moved to a farm near Sherrard, Illinois where Vera loved her job as secretary to the Rock Island Arsenal chief of police earning honors as an out standing office manager. She also acted as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, and choir director at Cable Community church for many years where her energetic happiness expressed her love for God and his children.
One of Vera's most treasured and hard earned accomplishments included winning first place in the 1974 International TOPS weight loss contest. Over the years Vera encouraged many Quad City women to loose weight.
Surviving relatives include her son and his wife Edward F. Sims Jr. and Pam of Milan, Illinois. Their children William Sims (Orion, IL) and Heather (Brian) Jochum (Lakeside Park, KY). Her daughter Jennie Lou and husband Thomas Lillpop of Grand Junction, Colorado. Their daughters include Corene (Stan) Jack (Broomfield, CO), Christine (Ryan) Houdek (Ft. Collins, CO), Amy (Eric) Gustovson, and Kendra Beamon (Grand Junction, CO). Her grandchildren fondly remember her as the "happy" grandmother. Great Grandchildren include Nathaniel and Benjamin Jack, Espen Gustovson, Kyle Beamon, and Chace and Brody Jochum. Her sister Elizabeth Toth (Davenport, Iowa) and brothers James (Marge) Kreydich, Frank Kreydich, Sister-in-law Agnes Kreydich (all from the Chicago area), sister-in-law Elizabeth Sims (Perry, OK). Vera especially appreciated her beloved nieces and nephews and their children.
Vera Sims was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Edward F. Sims, Sr. Her parents, brothers Joseph, John, Alexander II, and Walter Kreydich and sister Jennie Kreydich Preul.
The family would especially like to thank the staff members at Avonlea cottage for their care and support over the past three years. Private family services will be held. Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl Funeral Home, Ltd. is assisting the family.
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