Gabriella Marie Simmons

Gabby was born in Newton, Kansas, on December 20, 2008—a perfect early Christmas blessing. Her father, Travis Pohlman, and I (Kristen Simmons) had prayed we wouldn’t be snowed into a hospital on Christmas Day. In true Gabby fashion, she made a grand entrance just in time to come home and spend her very first Christmas wrapped in warmth, wonder, and family joy.

From the start, Gabby was everything—bright, beautiful, kind, determined, artistic, funny, and full of faith. She was our angel on earth, with a glow in her spirit and a purpose in her soul. Her personality lit up every room, her heart overflowed with compassion, and her mind was always dreaming up something big.

Gabby was on track to graduate early and had already earned her General Industry Certificate in IT. Her talents opened the door to endless opportunities. She was actively pursuing several internship options, including one with the Adams County Sheriff’s Department this fall—a role she was especially excited about. Her long-term goal was to join the U.S. Navy after high school, a path she spoke about with pride and determination. Gabby was a young woman with vision, discipline, and a future as bright as she was—like a diamond.

Gabby’s faith was the center of who she was. She attended Word Alive Church in Thornton, Colorado, where she studied the Bible and served joyfully in the children’s ministry alongside her best friend Xade and Gloria-David and family. But her faith didn’t stop at the church doors—Gabby carried it with her everywhere. She read her Bible at home with such focus and love, like she knew in her soul she had a greater purpose. Her love for others wasn’t just seen in how she cared for children—it showed in her prayers for people struggling with loss, broken friendships, financial hardship, or emotional pain. Gabby believed in the good, even when things were hard. She never hesitated to lift someone up, speak life into a broken moment, or quietly pray for someone who didn’t even know she was praying. Her kindness was a reflection of a heart made of gold—pure, powerful, and full of greatness.

Since age 15, she worked hard at Tan and Tone in Northglenn, and more recently, at Subway in Fort Lupton. She was the kind of young woman who showed up—sick, tired, or busy—because her word meant something. She was dedicated, reliable, and mature beyond her years. And yes—some of those paychecks went straight to her beloved and ever-growing shoe collection.

She loved Hello Kitty, Gabby was that young woman when it came to style. She had a talent for putting together the perfect outfits, always stayed on trend, and had a serious love for perfumes—only the bougie, name-brand ones, of course. Whether she was walking into school or heading to work, Gabby carried herself with confidence, class, and a signature scent that matched her bold, beautiful energy. She didn’t just wear fashion—she owned it and had a sense of humor that could leave you in tears from laughing. She was artistic, passionate, and full of sass in the most lovable way. A typical teenager in many ways, but so incredibly unique in all the ways that mattered most.

Gabby is survived by her loving parents, Kristen Simmons and Travis Pohlman; her cherished younger brother and sister; her bonus brothers; her devoted stepfather; her grandparents; and countless friends, family, and extended family members who adored her. She is also survived by her Kansas and Colorado friends and family, and so many others whose lives she touched along the way.

She was the kind of soul that didn’t just pass through life—she danced, she dreamed, she prayed, and she loved with everything she had. And now, though we miss her more than words could ever say, we find peace in knowing she is safe in the arms of Jesus. No more pain, no more fear—just light, love, and eternal peace.

Gabby will be forever 16.
Forever loved.
Forever missed.
Forever our angel.

Memorial Contributions – In Lieu of Flowers or In Addition To

In honor of Gabriella Marie Simmons, the following individuals, families, organizations, and services have touched our hearts and shown immense love and support. If you wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider one of the following:

Golden Aluminum – Kristen Simmons’s employer and cherished work family, Fort Lupton, CO

Gabby’s Church – Word Alive Church, Thornton, CO

Harvest Fellowship Church – Providing the Celebration of Life service with grace and kindness

Tabor-Rice Funeral Home – For their professionalism, compassion, and heartfelt care

Kristen’s Boyfriend and His Family – Thank you for your love, strength, and support throughout this time of heartbreak. Your presence now, and in the future, is a gift to our family.

Mitch & Emily – For the adorable Hello Kitty cookies and for being a source of strength, guidance, and love in every way imaginable – Wellington, KS

Xade and Family – Gabby’s best friend and her second family, forever a light in her life

Voigt Family – For designing memorial t-shirts, cards, and years of clothing and support. Special love to Sheri and Dave Voigt

Raquel & Luis – For organizing donations and rallying the Golden Aluminum family with love and compassion

Officer Avery – Gabby would have called you “a baddie” with pride! We’re thankful beyond words and honored by the permanent memorial being created for our family to visit

Johnson Auto – Possibly fulfilling Gabby’s dream of riding in a fast car like a Hellcat or Charger—something she always wished for but we could never give her

Gabby’s Friends – For hosting a beautiful and emotional Memorial Service at the new skate park. It was simply amazing

Weld County & Local First Responders – Including Paramedics, Firefighters, Police Officers, the Coroner, State Troopers, City of Fort Lupton Police Department, Colorado State Patrol Victim Services (Laura VanGilder), and the brave witness who called 911. Your response and service will never be forgotten

Colorado & Kansas Family and Friends – For ongoing love and support that continues to carry us through

The American Red Cross – For their dedication to families in times of crisis and need

All Active-Duty Military & Veterans – We honor and thank everyone who is currently serving or has served in the military. Your sacrifices and strength protect the freedoms we cherish

Most of all, we thank God – For walking beside us through the darkest valley, for holding our hearts through grief, and for the blessing of Gabby’s beautiful life. We trust she is in His arms, safe, whole, and deeply loved

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gabriella Marie Simmons, please visit our floral store.