Sara "Kris" Simpson, age 76, of Willard, Ohio, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on March 22, 1949 in Willard to the late Paul C. and Mary R. (Downend) Kranz.
Kris was a fighter. She fought 6 different types of cancer in the last 15 years.
Kris was a member of Mt. Hope Lutheran Church in Shiloh, Ohio and was a school teacher for Plymouth/Shiloh School system for 30 years. She was a 35 year 4-H Volunteer and in 2009 was inducted into the Ohio 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame. She also founded the Flashes 4-H Club and was a Program Assistant for 4-H Youth Development for 20 years. Kris loved her 4-H family and they were very important to her.
Kris was also a life-time member of the Shiloh Grange #2608, was an avid OSU fan, and on-line shopping was her favorite past time. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Brandi (Brian) Brotzki of Bay View, Ohio; son Paul Simpson of Willard, Ohio; grandchildren, Lisa (Henry Kuo) Mateo, Olivia “Livy” Cunningham, and Austin Cunningham of Ashland; brother, Tom Kranz of Shiloh, Ohio; sister Beth (Dave) Osher of Bellevue, Ohio; grand pups, Trooper, Reese and Snickers; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, David A. Simpson, whom she married on December 23, 1977 and he passed away on March 17, 2024, brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Barb Kranz; and brothers-in-law, Donald Simpson and Dennis Simpson.
Visitation will be at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00. Visitation will continue on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Mt. Hope Lutheran Church in Shiloh, Ohio from 10:00 AM until the time of her service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jeremy Lambert officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Shiloh. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt Hope Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made to Kris' family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Deb Harwood - Dec 10, 2025
Brandi and Paul, I was saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a remarkable woman who raised two remarkable children. May her strength and courage guide you through this difficult time. Much love to you and your families.
Peggy - Dec 9, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. I am thankful that I met Kris in 2006 and have enjoyed our friendship since then.
Maxine Ritchey - Dec 9, 2025
My sincere sympathy to Brandy, Paul and family’s. I was shocked to hear this news. Kris was a former student and long time co worker. One year at Christmas she sewed beautiful Christmas themed sweatshirts for all who wanted one. I had to have two they were so nice. Kris was always a familiar face at the Huron County Fair. She will be very much missed by her church, family, and friends. God bless you.
Marsha Ganni - Dec 9, 2025
Brandi and family, Paul and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping all of you In my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Joseph - Dec 9, 2025
What a great lady! She spent so much quality time in the 4-H organization. We had such a good time working with Kris and Brandi. So sorry for your loss.
Clarence and Linda Fackler - Dec 8, 2025
To the Kranz and Simpson families, Kris will be missed very much and what a beautiful smile she had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Linda Muthig - Dec 8, 2025
So sorry for your loss. I met Kris judging 4-H clothing. It was always a such a great experience working with her. She was so organized and so supportive of the children participating. This is such a loss for you, the community and 4-H. She certainly was a special lady.
Kathleen McNeal - Dec 8, 2025
I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. May your memories of her sustain you.
Kathy Phillips - Dec 8, 2025
I worked a lot of years with your mom. She was devoted to the 4-H program. One of my favorite memories was when we would have an afternoon break and she would pick out the brown M&M's. She said they did not taste as good! God's peace to you, Brandi, Paul and family.
Jim Enderby - Dec 8, 2025
Brandi, Paul and family I’m so sorry to hear of Kris passing. I have known her since we were in school many years ago. I enjoyed her friendship all those years since then. I know that she was really good with 4-H and enjoyed helping so many others She will be greatly missed by so many. Know that she is with the Lord and in his embrace. Keep all of those memories in your heart. GOD Bless!
Bruce Zimmer - Dec 8, 2025
Dear Family of Kris, I worked with Kris in Ohio 4-H and her kindness was such a blessing. I am thankful for the time we shared and our mutual work in 4-H.
Edna Albright - Dec 8, 2025
Brandi, Paul and the Kranz family I am so sorry for your loss but what a 15 year fight she fought. Kris started our card club 40+ years ago so we have spent a lot of time together. I also taught with her at Plymouth the majority of our careers. I am so saddened by her passing and will miss her deeply. She was a great friend. Enjoy your memories as I will cherish them. 🙏🙏
Jackie Ratliff - Dec 8, 2025
Brandi and Paul, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was such a fighter and always smiling. I will keep all of you in my prayers at this sad time.
Linda Veletean - Dec 8, 2025
To all of Kris family and friends, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Kris was such a friendly and caring person. I know she will be missed. Prayers for her family 🙏🙏
Ben Russell - Dec 8, 2025
Kris was such an influential person in my childhood into adulthood - initially as my first grade gym teacher and later as 4-H advisor. Kris was one of the few great people that kept Huron County 4-H running, growing, and thriving. It was such an honor to work with and learn from her all those years ago. To her family, my sincerest condolences - she will be dearly missed.
Debbie - Dec 8, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss Brandie and Paul. Oh the great times we had together. She will be greatly missed. Love you Sista.
Sandi, Mick and Michaella O’Brien - Dec 8, 2025
Brandi and Paul Our hearts are broken. I’ve been friends with Kris a long long time. We’d take the kids berry picking in the summer time. God Bless you Kris. I love you.
Kay Carr - Dec 8, 2025
I'm sorry to hear this. What a warrior, an inspiration to all. She'll be greatly missed. Praying for you and your family 🙏
Richard Russell - Dec 8, 2025
Brandi, Paul and the Family - So very sorry to hear of Kris's passing. She was a wonderful friend and mentor for our family - a brightly shining star that touched so many lives in so many ways. Our prayers and sympathy are with you and your families.
Charlie - Dec 7, 2025
Family, so sorry for you loss. We had many, many Great times together.Priceless memories.. Til we meet again, Sista.
Kirsten Kochel - Dec 7, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. Brandi, Lisa, Livvy I know Kris was so incredibly proud of you guys. She made a huge impact on my life and in our community. She was truly one of a kind- someone who made the best better.
