Edna Pearl (Sutton) Sims, of Abilene, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at 92 years old, surrounded by the love of her family. If you were lucky enough to know her, you knew better than to call her by her first name. Pearl was born August 11th, 1932 in Lomax, IL to Seth and Alma Sutton. She was the youngest of her parents six children. She married Robert Sims Sr., on July 23rd, 1959 in Scott City, KS. They made their family home together in Abilene for 53 years, raising their children; Paulina, Robert Jr., Rodney & Kenneth.
Pearl was an avid quilter. She lovingly made personalized quilts for each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She dabbled in antiquing and loved playing penny slots. Neither of which made her rich but, she sure enjoyed doing both. Pearl spent many years bowling on leagues in Abilene and later in Salina. This pastime yielded her many long-lasting friendships. Pearl loved to travel, especially with the 'Golden Girls', her two best friends, Lavonne Chase, and Gerry Ross. No matter the destination, rest assured they were raising cane and having fun doing it. She was a die-hard KU basketball fan. When the game was on, you could find her yelling at the T.V. cheering them on. Sipping hot coffee while chatting with family and friends was by far her favorite pastime.
Pearl's greatest joy was her family, which was apparent in the photos that covered her apartment and any conversation you had with her. She loved having her family together, whether for Sunday dinners at her house, BBQs, birthday parties or just going to root on her grandkids at their sporting events. Her biggest smiles came from her pride in her family.
She is survived by her sons Robert Sims Jr. and wife, Pam of Abilene, Kenneth Sims and wife, Trudy of Chapman, and son-in-law Owen Goodman of Lumberton, TX. Pearl is also survived by eight grandchildren, Billy Goodman and wife, Kristie, Cody Sims and wife, Amanda, Lindsy Solano and husband Chris, Chelsey Sims, Bobby Goodman, Kyle Sims and wife, Rachelle, Tara Robison and husband, Kalen, and Kade Sims, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one
great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband Robert Sr., daughters Phyllis Sims & Paulina Goodman, son Rodney Sims, granddaughter Tracy Goodman, and great-grandchildren Tenleigh and Tripp Robison.
A gathering of family and friends will take place at Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home in Abilene from 6-7 pm, Wednesday, September 18th. Pearl's celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, September 19th, 2024 at the funeral home. Her final resting place will be Farmington-Pioneer Cemetery south of Abilene. Memorial contributions may be sent directly to Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home at 414 NW 3rd St., Abilene, KS 67410, and will go to the Eisenhower Park Rose Garden in Pearl's honor.