Cecelia Simnioniw, 88, formerly of the Belfield and Gorham area, died Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Cecelia’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, June 4, 2012 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield with Father Shannon Lucht celebrating. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday, June 3, 2012 beginning at noon until 4 p.m. with a rosary and vigil at 4 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service time at the church.
Cecelia Boltz was born February 5, 1924 at Dickinson to Nick J. and Mary (Carey) Boltz. She was raised on the family farm north of Belfield in Stark County. After graduating from high school, Cecelia was a teacher and taught school in various rural schools.
Cecelia married Sam Simnioniw on June 5, 1947 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Together they farmed, ranched, and raised their family in the Gorham area, eventually moving to and taking over Sam’s parents place. Cecelia and Sam moved to a home north of Belfield, continuing to farm and ranch until retiring in 1992. In the mid 1990’s they moved into Belfield and Cecelia remained there until August 17, 2006 when she became a resident of the St. Luke’s Home.
Cecelia was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Christian Mothers, and Catholic Daughters. Cecelia enjoyed reading, playing cards, fishing, gardening, and bingo. But her most enjoyable times were those she spent with her children and their families. Her kindness, gentle strength, and strong faith set a good example and inspired all who knew her. She was a generous and giving person and had the patience of a saint. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Cecelia is survived by 12 children, Bob, Bismarck, Pat Eckes, Dickinson, Connie (Mike) Kasian, Belfield, Mary (Dale) Schaff, Williston, Les (Tammy), South Heart, Ed (Sandra), South Heart, Kathy (Al) Hecker, Dickinson, Karla (Dennis) Schaff, Belfield, Erv (Lene`), Westminster, Colo., Wayne (Carol), Minneapolis, Minn., Bill (Greta), Denver, Colo., and Ernie (Dixie), Dickinson; 33 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Gordon Boltz and Bob Boltz, and one sister Bonnie (Pete) Hecker.
Cecelia was preceded in death by her husband, Sam; her parents; one son, Bruce Simnioniw, one granddaughter, Lisa Schaff, one son-in-law, Jack Eckes, eight brothers and four sisters.
