Betty Simmons

Betty (Evers) Simmons passed on May 5th, 2013 at the Mercy Medical Center in Clinton, Iowa. Betty was born on February 18th, 1925, the third of seven children of Johanas “Jack” and Hazel (Lee) Evers of Low Moor, Iowa. Betty enjoyed a happy and active childhood. Her family was in farming and cattle, owned Maple Grove Dairy, and co-owned the Low Moor stockyards. She spent many happy hours accompanying her father to the farms and riding her horse. Betty grew up in Clinton County, a 1943 graduate of Clinton High School. After graduation, she performed clerical work for Pillsbury Mills, Agri-King and Schick General Hospital. Betty married Dr. Robert C. Simmons and she was soon involved in raising three active children. She was a second mother to many of the children’s friends. The house was always a welcome place for the neighborhood kids who were amazed by her yodeling talent. Her Clinton community activities included the First United Presbyterian Church, Clinton Symphony Orchestra, Tri-S Women’s Club and Agatha Circle. She served on many boards and committees. In later years, Betty returned to the business world as manager of Simmons Fine Jewelry and Giftware. Later, she was co-owner of the three Unicorn boutiques and tea rooms located in Mt. Carroll IL, Freeport IL, and Clinton, Iowa. Upon her husband’s retirement, Betty traded the business world for one of adventure and travel. They visited six continents, including a 44 day Around the World tour. Many of their most enjoyable retirement years were spent as “snow birds” in the Palm Desert, CA area. Betty became active in PEO Chapters HV (President) and JW, Meals on Wheels, Alpha Delphian Literary Society and was a fifty-year member of the Clinton Country Club Auxiliary (President). She loved to play golf, bridge and was an avid Hawkeye fan. Betty is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bob Simmons, and their children, Dr. Robert L. Simmons and his wife, Renee (Gabriel) Simmons of Galena, IL, daughter Lynn Marie Simmons and her husband, Mark Yaukey of Los Altos, CA, and son, James Jon Simmons of Coralville, IA; grandchildren, Jordan G. Simmons and fiancé Tony Hagopian of New York City, Lindsay G. Simmons and her husband Nick Haussler of Phoenix, AZ, Case G. Simmons of Los Angeles, CA, Sophia S. Tahran of San Francisco, CA, and Annalise S. Tahran of Los Altos, CA; siblings, Nancy L. Dreibelbeis of Camanche, IA, Paul E. (Corrine) Evers of Bryant, IA, Donald Carlye (Vicki) Evers of Low Moor, IA, and Richard L. Evers of DeWitt, IA, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John “Jack” Evers and Roger Evers. Service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Low Moor Methodist Church, 315 3rd Avenue, Low Moor, IA 52757, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, 315 South 2nd Street, Clinton, IA 52732, The Sisters of St. Francis Canticle, 841 13th Ave. No., Clinton, IA 52732 and 1st United Presbyterian Church, 400 5th Ave. South, Clinton, IA 52732.

Betty Simmons

February 18, 1925 - May 5, 2013