Janice K. Simmons, 68, died February 7, 2012 at Via Christie St. Francis Campus in Wichita. She was born on August 12, 1943 in Dodge City, the daughter of Erwin A. and Edna Marie (Misegadis) Dirks.

Janice grew up in Dodge City, graduating from Dodge City High School in 1961. She then attended Dodge City Community College and graduated in 1963. She married Donald Barrett on January 28, 1967 in Long Beach, California. They later divorced. On October 18, 1974, she married Burl Simmons at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Dodge City. He preceded her in death on May 16, 1992. Janice worked for AT&T starting as an operator. She retired from AT&T in October of 1997 as a lead electronic technician. Janice was very active in her church. She loved being with her children and grandchildren. Janice also enjoyed traveling, quilting, and her bible study. She served as a Manna House volunteer and board member.

She was a member of the Christ the King Lutheran Church of Dodge City.

Janice is survived by two sons, Travis Barrett Simmons and wife Cindy of Dodge City and James Tyler Barrett of Dodge City; a step-son, Burl Eldon Simmons, Jr. of Wichita; two sisters, Karen Folkerts of Lenexa and Bonnie May of Dodge City; two brothers, Eldon Dirks of Ulysses and Mark Dirks of Dodge City; and four grandchildren, Jenna Simmons of Wichita, Tazen Simmons of Phoenix, Arizona, Alex Simmons of Dodge City, and Amanda Simmons of Dodge City. In addition to her husband, Burl, she is preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Dodge City on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Kent Groethe presiding. Burial will follow at Christ The King Lutheran Cemetery in rural Ford County. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Friday, February 10, 2012 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Christ The King Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.