Donna Lee Simmons

On May 20, 2023, Donna Lee Simmons, age 89, passed into eternity.

Donna was born on May 7, 1934, in Ottumwa, Iowa to Elmer and Helen (Stater) Myers.

She met the love of her life, Stanley Simmons, in 1953, on a blind date. At the time she was working as a telephone switchboard operator in Fairfield. They were married on Dec 18, 1954. Ironically, they shared the exact same birthday.

Donna is survived by her husband, Stanley, and their four children: Mark Simmons (partner Rodney Stonehouse), Phil (and Jeannine) Simmons, Susan (and Mark) Stanley, Bill (and Michelle) Simmons. Five grandsons: Nate Stanley (partner Gui de Almeida), Josh Simmons (fiancé Audrey Wagner), Nicholas Simmons, Patrick Simmons (partner Tiffany Houk), Seth Simmons. Two great grandsons: Malachi Houk, Mason Simmons.

Preceded in death by: Donna’s parents, Donna’s sister-Barbara McGlothlen, Stan’s parents-Fred and Edna Simmons, Stan’s sister and brother-in-law-Christie and Faye Beauchamp, Stan’s brother and sister-in-law-Dick and Lorri Simmons.

Donna and Stan were married 68 years and could often be seen out together on their daily drives counting deer and enjoying nature.

Donna always loved making candy for people at Christmas, crocheting baby blankets that were donated to a pregnancy center or given to many local families with newborns. Donna loved to read mysteries and growing flowers, especially day lilies.

She selflessly volunteered for over 17 years to hospice as well as at the Jefferson County Hospital as a greeter. She was also very active with her church’s women’s group at Pleasant Plain Friend’s Church before moving into Fairfield where they were currently members at the Fairfield Friend’s Church.

She especially loved spending time with her family and never missed a birthday by sending a card with money and making a special phone call, usually very early in the morning.

Although we will all miss Donna so incredibly much, we know that she is now fully healed and with her Lord Jesus and loved ones who had formerly passed.

Visitation for family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Behner Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Fairfield Friends Church with Pastor Stan Bauer officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Antioch Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Antioch Cemetery, Fairfield Friends Church or Pleasant Plain Friends Church.  Cards and memorials may be mailed to Stan Simmons, 1705 B Linden Drive, Fairfield, Iowa 52556.