June Coleen (Shasky) Simmons

June Coleen (Shasky) Simmons, 88, of Delton and Battle Creek died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.

June was born in Battle Creek, Michigan the daughter of Charles David and Helen O. (Fairchild) Shasky.

A lifelong musician, June (Shasky) Simmons was born with perfect pitch and has played the piano from an early age, taking piano lessons from Pearl (Fairchild) Sprague, Max Newkirk, and in high school with Evelyn (Farley) Conkell. When June was 5 years old, Tress Graichen and June's parents, Helen & Charles Shasky, went to Grinnell Bros. in Detroit to pick out June's very own grand piano. Tress selected a piano for herself and a Wm. Knabe, with the very best tone for June, which she still played in her home.

June sang in a trio, "The Sweethearts of Battle Creek," with Mary Esther (Hauck) Sanders and Rolene (Steadman) Hansen, accompanied by Joyce (Graichen) Kempton, to raise money for the new Battle Creek Academy after the fire at the Kendall Street location, April 11, l 945.

June played bells in percussion with the BCA Band and was one of the youngest members of the BCA orchestra, playing the violin. In high school, June sang in the Glee Club and in a trio with Beverly (Benjamin) Benedict and Dolores (Fairchild) Opperman; the trio sang on every telecast of the TV program Beyond Tomorrow, originated by Dr. A.H. Johns, the first ever SDA television program.

June was in the first class to graduate from the brand new Battle Creek Academy in 1949. She was the Senior Class Treasurer and attended BCA all 12 years. The principal was M. Dale Hannah and class sponsor was Leslie (Les) Iles. After graduation, June attended EMC in Berrien Springs, where one of her favorite jobs was to play the piano for the pastor's class to help them learn how to direct music, with Melvin Davis. June also sang in the 70 voice choir and stood in front beside Mr. Davis, to give him the note to begin instead of using a pitch pipe.

After college June worked at Consumers Power Co., Percy Jones Army Hospital transcribing operations, and New York Air Brake as a private secretary. June married Cyrus Simmons III, on July 5, 1953, and they were married 54 years, until Cy's death on June 11, 2007. June enjoyed playing the piano freelance for occasions at senior centers, banks and stores in the area.

June and her daughter, Julie enjoyed giving music at the Battle Creek Tabernacle, where they have been lifetime members. They also supported the Historic Adventist Village with their music at the holidays, during the Candle-lite Stroll. June and Julie have enjoyed the quiet beauty of nature that has surrounded them for the last 50 years on their private lake in Delton.

June's beautiful song is over, but her melody lingers on …

A service to celebrate June's life will be officiated by Pastor Bruce Moore 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Battle Creek Academy, 480 Parkway Drive, Battle Creek, Michigan 49037.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.