Betty Simonds

Betty Lee Simonds, 87, of Idaho Falls passed away Sunday, October 9th, at her home at Fairwinds-Sandcreek Assisted Living.

Betty was born on November 5, 1928 in Redbird Missouri to William and Olga Price. She and her three sisters; Bonnie Knuteson, Billye Bailey, and Rheba Spiedel grew up and attended schools in Missouri and South Dakota.

In November of 1946, while attending a cousin's wedding mom met her future husband, Roy Edward Simonds. They were married on June 8,1947, and were loving and devoted partners for over 69 years. Together they raised 5 children; Jack Simonds (Cheryl), Jim Simonds (Arantza), Jill Lines (Bruce), Mike Simonds, and Lisa Kissell (Jeff) while living in South Dakota; Massena, New York; and Idaho Falls, Idaho.

In May 1971, mom proudly received an Elementary Education Degree from ISU. She spent the next 16 years teaching at Falls Valley Elementary touching the lives of her first and second grade students.

After retiring in 1987, mom and dad enjoyed traveling with family and friends to many different places on six continents. She and dad also enjoyed spending winters at their home in Mesa, Arizona and summers at their cabin in Star Valley, Wyoming.

She especially loved spending time with her eleven grandchildren; Nathan Lines (Laurel), Brandy Simonds, Jason Simonds (Erica), Jeff Simonds (Marie), Michelle Simonds, Krista Robb (Tyler), Kasie Ellenburg (Scott), Andi Bingham (Bryant), Rob Simonds (Tori), Kamber Kissell and Colton Kissell. They all have special memories from their adventures with Grandma Betty.

Mom also enjoyed playing Bridge, Square Dancing, reading her book club books, golfing, and attending Trinity United Methodist Church. She was involved in many volunteer roles such as Hospice, Church Outreach programs, cub scouts and as a Super Bowl volunteer in 1996. In mom's eyes her most important role was supporting her children and grandchildren in their educational and career goals.

Her parents and her three sisters preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, five children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren; Peyton, Jackson, Macey, Kyler, Keegan, Carter, Hannah, Quincy, Payton, Emmett, Wesley, Packer, and Remi.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Trinity United Methodist Church (237 Water Avene). The family will visit with friends from 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. prior to the service or after the service in the church parlor.

Our family would like to thank the entire staff at Fairwinds, all Onesource aides (Mandy and Melissa), and her dedicated physical therapist, Mark. You all made a difference in her life.

Since mom valued education so much, our family will be establishing a scholarship fund in her memory in lieu of flowers.

Funeral Services will be held