Della Elizabeth Simpkins

Della Elizabeth Simpkins, 77, of Huntington, West Virginia, faithful wife, caring mother, devoted grandmother, and affectionate sister, went to be with her Savior on the morning of Thursday, June 22nd, 2023. She was born on May 8th, 1946, in Williamson, West Virginia, to C. Maynard and Anna Lee Hay. She graduated from Lenore High School in 1964 and briefly attended Marshall University, where she met the love of her life, Roger. They married in 1968. She entered the workforce as an accountant and bookkeeper at F. W. Means & Co., spent many happy years at Wilson Construction Co., and retired from Richwood Industries in 2009. Baptized at the First Baptist Church of Kenova in 1968, she taught Sunday school there for 4/5 year olds for three decades and was a member until her passing. Her health in her last years kept her from attending services, but she always appreciated hearing from her church family.

In addition to church, Della was very involved in her children’s activities, supporting several years of Vinson High School basketball and band. She also loved attending her grandchildren’s many activities later in life. She enjoyed traveling, spanning the country from Yosemite National Park in California to Acadia National Park in Maine, as well as camping with her family (especially at Watoga State Park). She even managed to break her ankle cycling on the Greenbrier River Trail at age 68, for which she blamed Roger. But, most of all, she loved organizing and hosting meals, holidays, and reunions for all her family, making them feel at home whether in her family room or under a picnic shelter. She had a special love of the Christmas season and put forth exceptional efforts to make her family feel loved, leaving them with a lifetime of wonderful holiday memories.

Della is survived by her husband of over 54 years, Roger L. Simpkins, of Huntington, and their three children—Tony (Angie) Simpkins, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Pam (Ken) Woodard, of Kenova, West Virginia; and Dennis (Melissa) Simpkins, of Willow Wood, Ohio. She is also survived by her grandsons, Isaac (Gabby), Zachary, Benjamin, Isaiah, Samuel, Logan, and Luke, and her granddaughter, Lucy. She was preceded in death by her parents and four infant siblings, and is survived by her sisters, Ruth (Darrell), Sharon, and Sylvia (Buddy), and her brothers, Maynard, Frank (Kathy), and John (Kathy).

The family would like to thank Laura Wagner, Kathy Sullivan, and Sara Swann for their assistance in caring for Della.

Arrangements are being handled by Reger Funeral Home in Huntington, where a visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27th, 2023. Dr. David Lemming and Pastor Frank Hay will conduct the funeral service, which will be held at 2 p.m. after the visitation. Interment will follow at Docks Creek Cemetery.