Galvez, Rev. Vera Lois Simms, 94 of Barnesville, Ohio died Monday, Sept. 22, 2008 at the Barnesville Health Care Center.

Vera was born in her parents home in Glencoe, Ohio on March 13, 1914. She lived in Glencoe throughout her childhood ? roaming the woods and walking the old Indian Trail on the hill across from the family old log house. She had one brother, Ellsworth Willard Simms whom she dearly loved.

She was called to the ministry at an early age. Her father, Rev. Clinton Simms, conducted revivals in various locations and she and her mother accompanied him. She was encouraged to take an active role in the services. She presented her first sermon in the Church of the Nazarene in Winter Haven, Florida on March 13, 1932. She attended Eastern Nazarene College in 1943 - 1945 to study radio broadcasting.

At the age of 28 she was ordained at the Church of the Nazarene district assembly in 1942. She served the Church of the Nazarene Headquarters as an evangelist in Central and South Americas and also served as a youth councilor, children?s worker and Christian Education Director.

In 1951 she was called by the Church of the Nazarene to organize and supervise the building of a new church in Powhatan Point, Ohio. She also directed a daily radio broadcast from the new facility. All this, while taking care of an ill mother and aging father in her home.

From 1956 through 1963 she returned to Glencoe with her parents where she taped her own weekly radio program, "The Saviour?s Call", which was aired in Panama, Barbados, Alaska, Appollo and Pittsburgh, Pa., Moundsville, WVa and Canton, Ohio. She also held Bible classes for the children of the neighborhood.

After her parents? deaths she returned to Eastern Nazarene College to complete a degree of Bachelor of Science in 1967. While attending classes she served as an evangelist to neighboring areas. After graduation she taught Spanish in Barnesville High School. In 1968 she was called to be pastor of the Barnesville Nazarene Church where she remained until 1972.

After her marriage to Rev. Marco Galvez in 1966 and the completion of her responsibilities as pastor of the Barnesville Nazarene Church, she served as her husband?s assistant in Spanish ministries in Peru, Mexico, Boston and Cleveland. After retirement in 1985 they returned to live in Barnesville. Retirement was short lived for Rev. Vera Galvez who was soon called again in 1989 to be the pastor of the Barnesville Church of the Nazarene. In 1995, at the age of 81 she retired again.

Vera Simms Galvez served her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ all the days of her life. Her love for her family was reflected in her many kindnesses. She was a prayer warrior and spent hours on her knees pleading before her Lord in our behalf. She enjoyed flowers, especially wild flowers; and she loved animals. And she loved her home. After a prolonged stay in the hospital, when she no longer could return home, her light began to slowly fade. We watched her earthly light slowly ebbing away as we waited for her to drift into the heavenly light of our Lord.

Mrs. Galvez leaves her husband of 42 years, Rev. Marco Galvez and their son Juan Galvez and wife Luz in Lima, Peru. She also leaves two nieces, Sylvia Simms of Bakersfield, California, and Elaine Simms Tragesser (Bob) of Hamilton, Ohio. Her great nephew, Don Tragesser (Lori) and children Gabriela and Michael; her great niece, Teresa Tragesser Patrick (Craig) and children Alyxandria and Chance. Also a dear cousin Patty Renzella (Nick). She was preceded in death by her mother, Viola Stitzer Simms, Father, Clinton Ellsworth Simms and brother Ellsworth Willard Simms.

Our deep appreciation to Marlene Hubbard who was Vera?s friend and caretaker for many years. Also, our deep appreciation and thanks to Dr. Samuel and the Barnesville Healthcare Center nurses and staff for their excellent care during Vera?s stay at the center.

Visitation will be held at the Church of the Nazarene in Barnesville, Monday, September 29, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where services will be held a 1 :00 p.m. with Rev. Chuck Leasure officiating. Burial will follow in Glencoe Cemetery, Glencoe, Ohio.