Patricia Howe Simpson
March 11, 1952 – August 20, 2025
Patricia (Patti) Howe Simpson, 73, longtime Downey resident, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Patti was born on March 11, 1952 in Ft. Monroe, Virgina, the daughter of Wallace Abbott Howe and Audrey Bringle Howe. She was the 3rd of 4 children born to her parents. She was raised and educated in Rancho Cordova, California, graduating from Cordova High School in 1970. She then spent some time taking classes at American River College in Sacramento, California. She spent a summer after High School working at Aerojet in California and loved that experience.
She met and married the love of her life, Steve Simpson, in Oakland, California on June 10, 1972. They eventually settled in Downey, Idaho to raise their 5 children. Being a homemaker was the proudest accomplishment of Patti’s life. From grinding wheat for bread, to harvesting gardens, raising goats, providing home-cooked meals and treats, sewing clothes and toys, and canning, she did that and so much more to show her love for her family. She played a large role in helping Steve with his Santa “gig” every single Christmas season, from dressing him to driving him and helping keep things organized. Patti started an aerobics group in Downey in the early 1980s so that she and other women would have a place to exercise and stay in shape. She enjoyed the many Jane Fonda workouts that she would lead the women in. Patti worked part-time at Ireland Bank for 19 years after her kids were all school-aged. She also enjoyed substituting at the local schools in Idaho for about 17 years. Patti was a huge support to all of her children through all of the sports that they all competed in. From volleyball, to basketball, to track and field and cross-country, to baseball, band, and theater, she was always there as their biggest supporter. She was also a huge supporter of all of her grandchildren, showing up for as many plays, meets, games, and events that she could. She will be missed by so many people, especially by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
Patti is survived by her 4 children: Cheree Simpson of Salt Lake City, Utah, Kellie (Doug) Carling of Layton, Utah, Todd (Kim) Simpson of Providence, Utah, and Adam (Tara) of Pocatello, Idaho, 12 grandchildren (one currently serving on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Nevada) and 1 great grandchild. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Howe, of Downey, Idaho. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Steven Simpson, her son, Matthew Simpson, her parents, and siblings Lori Littell, and Sharon Henn.
Funeral services will be held at the Downey Church on Friday, August 29th at 12 noon. Friends and family may attend a viewing on Friday prior to the services from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Burial will follow Friday’s services in the Downey City Cemetery.