Obituary of Verna Simons

Verna Marie Simons, beloved wife, mom, grandma and great grandma, passed away on December 22, 2021 at the age of 84 in Aurora Colorado. She was born December 16, 1937 in Sturgis South Dakota to Clarence Allen and Emma Shafer Allen. She grew up on a ranch in the Opal South Dakota community. She attended a one room country school house her entire grade school years along with both her brothers Wayne and Dean. She graduated from the Newell High School in 1955 then went to college one year in Spearfish South Dakota receiving her teacher’s certification. She taught in several country schools throughout her young adult life. She married the love of her life, Billy Simons on November 22, 1956. To this very special union, 4 children were born, Twyla, Pam, Brian and Teresa. Billy and Verna lived on the Simons family ranch in Marcus South Dakota until their move to Aurora Colorado in 1972. Together they built the family business, Bill Simons Excavating. They sacrificed and worked hard to build a secure future for themselves. One of Verna’s greatest enjoyments was being with her family. Especially going to their cabin in North Park. Verna and Billy converted the property into a very nice little haven for the entire family to enjoy. She was adventurous! She rode beside Billy in their Gator for miles on the never-ending mountain trails with their pack of kids, grandkids and great grandkids not far behind them. She always pitched right in with the cooking and the cleaning after a long ride that day. She also loved her hummingbirds and enjoyed watching them from her chair in their cabin. She was a treasure; a priceless jewel and she loved her family very much. We will greatly miss her. Verna is survived by her husband Billy, her 4 children, Twyla (Harry) Tiffany, Pamela (Bill) Winkinhofer , Brian (Marti) Simons and Teresa (Joe) Cavender. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Gary Blixt (Pam), Clinton (Emily) Funk, Chad (Heather) Winkinhofer, Kayla (Chad) Crecelius, Clayton (Andrea) Funk, Sarah (Charles) McNeely & Amanda (Jacob) Lenz. Great grandchildren, Stephanie, Garett, Ethan, Chase, Emma, Isabella, Haley, Cole, Chloe, Corbin, Logan, Wesley, Max, Easton, William and Charles Jr. She is also survived by her Aunt Dodie Raga and sister in law Lorraine Allen. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Emma, both her brothers, Wayne and Dean Allen and sister in law, Elaine Allen. Services will be held December 30, 2021 at 11:00 am, Saint Isidore Catholic Church, 32100 E Colfax Ave., Watkins, Colorado 80137