Marlene Joan Sims
December 08, 2012
Marlene Joan Sims, 77, passed away from breast cancer on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at Manor Care in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 11, 2012, at First Church of the Open Bible. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, December 10, 2012, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway. Burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
Marlene Groen was born December 8, 1935, in Hospers, Iowa. She grew up in a family devoted to full-time Christian ministry. Marlene attended Open Bible College, during which time she met William Thomas Sims. They were married on June 15, 1957. They served in the US Marine Corps until 1959, when they moved to Des Moines. Bill and Marlene also lived in Columbus, Ohio, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Houston, Texas. They returned to Des Moines in 1995, and were active members of First Church of the Open Bible.
Marlene was preceded in death by her father, John Groen; and sister-in-law, Lorene Camos. Marlene is lovingly remembered by her husband of 55 years, Bill, three sons, John (Madison, WI), Wayne (Sue; Des Moines), and Brad (Jill; Aurora, IL); five grandchildren, Mallory, Eric, Aaron, Kara, and Maggie; her mother, Marian Groen (Des Moines); three brothers, James (Dotti; Denver, CO), David (Betty; Denver, CO), and Kenneth (Nadine; Des Moines); and brother-in-law, Sam Camos (Gloria, Des Moines).
Memorials may be made to First Church of the Open Bible.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Tom and Sherry Moore
12/12/2012
Our love and prayers will continue to be with you, Bill, and the whole family - both the Sims and the Groens. We always looked forward to seeing you and Marlene when we would furlough in the States. You always included us in fun activities and we knew you always prayed for us. We're so thankful we got to see Marlene, one last time, at the Gaither concert in Des Moines, last September. We already miss her very much! Lots of love and prayers coming from Guinea, West Africa.
Rachel and Darrel Raih
12/11/2012
Bill and family, we want to express our deepest sympathy to you. Our hearts go out to you and you have been and will continue to be in our prayers in the days, weeks and months ahead!
Ken and Barbara Wetzell
12/10/2012
So thankful we were able to see and talk to Aunt Marlene this Thanksgiving. She was a true lady and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. I will be forever grateful to her for "saving" the Christmas stocking I made Ken in 1973! We love you Aunt Marlene and all the Sims clan!
Connie Jalet
12/10/2012
On the list of the friends/neighbors we had in Las Vegas, the SIMS family has been on the top. Marlene is one of my most favorite people in the world; and so, I trust she walks now in the presence of the Lord.
Marc and Elizabeth Parker
12/10/2012
I first met "Sister Sims" and her family at 10 years old on the Johnson family farm outside of Ottumwa, IA. Even though her boys would not talk to me I knew we would all be friends for a long time to come! I will always have great memories of Molly's kind smile, eyes and gracious ways. I am guessing that there is a "heavenly" Hickory Grove camp meeting going on right now. My prayers are with you all!
The Cinardi Family
12/10/2012
Our thoughts are prayers are with the entire Sims Family during this great loss. May your memories of Marlene bring comfort to you all.
Ken and Sarah Krantz
12/10/2012
She was always full of joy and laughter. We will miss the times we spent playing cards at the July 4th parties. Heaven is a little brighter today because of her smile. Our prayers are with Bill and the family. Our Love is with You. Ken and Sarah
Jim and Martha Heldenbrand
12/10/2012
We already miss Molly!!
Without a doubt she is in Heaven reserving a place at the banqet table for her friends and family.
Just look where all the laughter is and she will be there.
Jay and LInda Neuharth and family
12/09/2012
We are friends with Brad and Jill and the girls and we want to send our love and prayers during this difficult time. We rejoice in our eternal hope that you all share in. May His comfort hold you in special ways during this time.
Jill Johnson
12/09/2012
my love & prayers are with the Sims' family. Molly was a joy & I have many happy memories from when the Sims & Johnson families were together. Molly has joined my mom & dad in Heaven to start the celebrating.
Darrel & Arlene Anderson
12/09/2012
Have known Marlene since 1955 when we were at OBC together. Many times our paths have crossed over the years. We send our love and prayers to all of Bill's family and Marlene's as well. This will be a very difficult time for Marlene's mother so we will pray especially for her too. Every Christmas will be sadder now, but Marlene received the greatest gift of all.
Love & Prayers,
Darrel and Arlene