TEMPERANCE, Mich. — Elda Margaret "Wright" Simmons was born on October 5, 1931, in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of eight children born from the union of the late Ernest and Anna (Betker) Moede. Elda was a 1950 graduate of Monroe High School and received her bachelor's in education from Eastern Michigan. Elda married the late Edward M. Wright in 1952. She raised her daughters and supported her family as a kindergarten teacher at Holy Ghost Lutheran School for 33 years. After her retirement in 1993, Elda continued her employment as secretary at the school for an additional seven years. On March 9, 2002, she married Alfred E. Simmons at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church and moved to Kendallville, Indiana, where they enjoyed 12 wonderful years together. He preceded her in death on January 22, 2014. Elda was an amazingly strong Christian example, who touched the lives of many people, never having an ill word to say. She was a member of the Ladies Aide Ministry, led Bible studies and taught Sunday school. Elda was devoted to Jesus and He is surely saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Family was most important to Elda. She enjoyed spending time with family, hosting many gatherings over the years and cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As an avid euchre player, Elda loved playing cards at the Bedford and Kendallville senior centers. She also thoroughly enjoyed the activities and meeting everyone at Moongate Senior Apartments in Temperance during the last year. In her quiet time, she read her Bible and devotions, did the daily crossword puzzle and watched the Game Show Network. Elda, age 84, of Temperance, passed away at 2:25 p.m. on April 14, 2016, at Promedica Toledo Hospital. In addition to her parents and husband, her passing was preceded by her three sisters: Emma Kamin, Esther Sype and Selma Boedicker; and four brothers: Otto, Gustav, Herbert and infant, Arthur Moede. To cherish her memory she leaves four daughters: Bonnie (Alfred) Renard of Westland, Barbara (Gerald) Sampsel of Monroe, Brenda (Michael) Lawrence of Lambertville, and Sandra Miller of Temperance; six stepchildren: Marge (Carl) Weber, Michael (Ann Marie Waldron) Simmons, Monica Martin, Julie (Bill) Yates, Kim "Duke" (Annette) Simmons, and Kelly (Bill) Walkup all of Indiana; five grandchildren: Nathan Renard, Tami (Ron) Dunaway, Dominic (Rosalia) Russo, Sarah (Cody) Griffith and Adam Miller; six stepgrandchildren; five great-grandchildren: Cari, Lindsey, Tommaso, Natalia, and baby Griffith on the way; and "All of Al's grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren." Friends may gather from 2-8 p.m. today at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 N. Monroe St., Monroe, (734) 384-5185. She will lie-in-state on Monday, April 18, 2016, at 10 a.m. with a Celebration of Her Life at 11 a.m. at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, with Reverend Larry Loree Jr. officiating. Burial will follow to Gethsemane Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Holy Ghost School Tuition Assistance. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort and share a photo at www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.