Judy Simmons

Judith Anne Simmons, 81, of Martin, passed peacefully from this world on Sunday, April 19, at Bennett County Hospital.

Judy was born on April 6, 1945, to Arthur and Beverly McComsey in Aberdeen, SD. She grew up on the family farm near Conde as the oldest of six children and graduated from Brentford High School in 1963. Shortly after graduation, she was united in marriage to Alvin Simmons on July 6 of that same year.

The couple began their life together in Fort Huachuca, AZ., where Alvin was stationed during his military service. While there, they welcomed their daughter, Susan. Following his service, they returned to South Dakota and settled in Allen, where their family grew with the addition of Jeffrey and Cindy. Together, Judy and Alvin built a life on the Simmons Family Ranch, where they farmed, raised cattle, and shared over 50 years of hard work and dedication.

Judy wore many hats throughout her life. In addition to helping with the daily demands of ranch work—often driving tractor—she also served her community as a clerk at the Allen Post Office, a bus driver for Central Grade School, and a cashier at the local grocery store.

Her greatest joys were found in the simple pleasures of life. Judy loved gardening, baking, playing cards, bowling, and fishing. She was especially known for her large vegetable gardens, thriving strawberry and raspberry patches, and beautiful flower beds. Her kitchen was often filled with the warmth of fresh-baked goods, from holiday pies to her well-loved Christmas cookies. During branding season, she was famous for delivering her cherry-rhubarb pies. Judy also enjoyed playing cards—whist, spades, pinochle, canasta, hand-and-foot, and cribbage—and when no one was around, she could often be found playing solitaire at the kitchen table.

Judy is survived by her children: Susan (Dan) Taft of Norris; Jeffrey (Michelle) Simmons of Killdeer, ND; and Cindy (Chris) Knecht of Tuthill; as well as her grandchildren, Heather, Samantha (Cameron), Morgan (Nathan), Jacob, Gwyneth (Hunter), Carson, and Hunter. She is also survived by her brothers Daniel (Jean), Jim, and LeRoy (Denise); sister-in-law Doreen (Linn) McCoy; brothers-in-law Larry Fischbach, Vernon, Elmer (Sharon), and Walter (Lucy) Simmons; along with many nieces, nephews and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Beverly McComsey; husband, Alvin; sister, Peggy Fischbach; brother, Gary McComsey; brothers-in-law, Lyle (Wanda) Blair; Earl Simmons; and sisters-in-law, Beatrice (Grant) McCoy; Elda (Jack) Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 27, 10:00 a.m., at the New American Legion in Martin, with Pastor Bill Hines officiating. Burial will follow at the Martin Cemetery.