Linda Kay Simmons, age 56, of Huron, died peacefully in her sleep at the Huron Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, after a short illness. Her funeral was heldat 10:30 AM Saturday, December 3rd at the First United Methodist Church. Burial was in theRestlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery. Linda Kay Simmons was born August 27, 1960, in Huron, South Dakota, a daughter of Muriel and Irvin Simmons. She was the youngest of four children in the Simmons family and born with Down syndrome. She was a cherished and adored part of the family and participated in everything the family did.
At five years of age she began her education at Lincoln School, happily marching off in her trademark pigtails. Her first glimpses of school life were wonderful. Mrs. Joyce Nelson, her teacher was enthusiastic and fun. They bonded beautifully, setting the stage for many more caring and giving teachers along her educational path. Linda loved school because of the wonderful teachers who seemed to always come into her life.
After completing her education, Linda began work at the Center for Independence in Huron. She did volunteer work at the Methodist church with her mother and also worked at the Huron Public Library.
Linda lived in a group home at 1070 15th Street in Huron for over 25 years. She enjoyed her independence and gained life skills. She developed many friendships with staff and clients over the years.
Linda had many interests including making latch hook projects, listening to music and playing the chord organ. She always had a pen and word search puzzle within her reach. She played Solitaire and always enjoyed playing UNO with a group. Linda kept a daily journal for many years noting highlights of the day and recorded the day's temperature. She participated in the Special Olympics for countless years and won many medals. Linda was an avid bowler, a fan of the Shrine Circus, loved her Coca-Cola, and McDonald's sundaes. She faithfully attended services at the First United Methodist Church with her mother.
Linda is remembered as a kind, happy, loving soul who enjoyed spending time with her family. She delighted in watching her niece and nephew as they grew up. Linda looked forward to receiving postcards from her nephew, Tommy, sharing with her his travels, antics and life in the city.
Linda is preceded in death by her father, Irvin Simmons in 1977; her mother, Muriel Simmons in 2016; and brother, David Simmons in 1998.Survivors include her sisters, Barb (Chris) Stanton of Jacksonville Florida and Mary (Scot) Hoscheid of Bettendorf Iowa; one nephew, Tommy (Laura) Hoscheid, New York, New York; and one niece, Betsy Hoscheid of Kirksville, Missouri.
Linda's family would like to thank the Huron Regional Medical Center for the compassionate care she received. They also would like to thank the many staff members who have touched Linda's life over the years at the Center for Independence and the group home where she resided. Very special thanks are extended to Nikki Gross, Lori Kopfmann, and Rachel Rashaad who gave so generously of themselves when Linda needed them most.