Blayke Louise Simmons, of Niles
Nov. 19, 2019-Dec. 2, 2019
Niles Daily Star, Published 8:32 am Thursday, December 5, 2019
Nov. 19, 2019 — Dec. 2, 2019
Blayke Louise Simmons, 14-day-old daughter of Casey and Joe Simmons, of Niles, died at 6:10 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, at the C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, of a cardiac defect which left broken hearts in all who were blessed to know her.
Her family is grateful for the heroic efforts of the best pediatric staffs in Niles, Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor who extended Blayke’s life day-by-day.
She was born on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at Spectrum Lakeland Hospital, in Niles, to Joseph Allen and Casandra Lynn (Purdy) Simmons.
Blayke’s mother had felt her strong movements for several months and those closest to her felt and watched that activity. She arrived with a kick and was already squeezing fingers and hands. Her cute half-smile was certainly in recognition of her mother, although others suggested that it was recognition of a healthy digestive tract.
Blayke is survived by her parents, Joe and Casey; her two-year-old sister, Harper Simmons; grandparents, Elaine and Gary Simmons and Mike and Jody Purdy, all of Niles; great-grandmother, Margaret “Peg” Cain, of Niles; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family of Blayke Simmons will receive relatives and friends from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., in Niles, and will continue with committal services at the graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery with Pastor Darrel le Roux, of Niles, Westside Seventh-day Adventist Church officiating.
Contributions in memory of Blayke may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor, 1600 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, rmhcannarbor.org/.
Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.
While Blayke’s brief time face to-face with the world is counted in hours and days, she will be remembered and cherished for years and years.