Sept. 30, 1927 - Sept. 10, 2023

Lois Simmons, 95, of Brookings, formerly of White, SD, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at Edgewood Vista in Brookings.  
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the First United Methodist Church in Brookings at 10 a.m. Burial will immediately follow the service at Fairview Cemetery in White, SD.  A time of fellowship and a meal will be provided following burial at the First United Methodist Church basement in Brookings.  Visitation will be held one half hour prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the Simmons family with arrangements.
Lois Simmons was born on Sept. 30, 1927, to Adolph and Myrtle (Rolfson) Aaberg on the farm near Astoria.  She attended school in Astoria, later going on to attend Eastern State Normal where she received her Teacher’s Certificate.  Following her graduation, Lois taught for 5 years, particularly enjoying teaching in the country school in the valley near White.  On Sept. 30, 1945, Lois was united in marriage to Loren Simmons.  Shortly after starting a family, Lois retired from teaching to raise the couple’s five children.  Lois especially cherished the time that she was able to spend on the farm with her family.
Later in her life, Lois returned to teaching as a substitute teacher.  She also worked as an Assistant Post Master in White before retiring well into her s70s.  In 2019, Lois moved to Brookings to StoneyBrook Assisted Living, and later to Edgewood Vista.  
Lois was a devoted member of the White United Methodist Church where she served on many committees and held several different positions.  She was also a member of the White Historical Society, the Extension Club, and the Card Club.  Lois also volunteered as a worker during election time.
Throughout her life Lois held many interests including sewing, crocheting, gardening, reading, and birdwatching (she especially liked watching the hummingbirds).  
The greatest joys in life, however, were her family and her farm.
Lois is survived by her daughters: Cheryl (Doug) Beste of Brookings, Linda Simmons Patrick of Aurora, SD, Jan Simmons of Wayne, NE, and Nancy (Vernon) Smith of Gettysburg, SD; her grandchildren: Tavia Simmons, Brandon (Kellie) Simmons, Alanna (Josh Cameron) Simmons-Cameron, Daimon (Jonida) Simmons, Erika (Ryan) Zink, Tony (Tiffany) Beste, Jodi (Chris) Blanchette, Jesse (Kate) Patrick, Jamie (Kayla) Patrick, Jana Patrick, Brianna (Rio Hartwell) Theobald, Renee (Eric) Meyer, Alayna (Derek) Carroll, Katrina Smith, Luke Smith, and Aaron Smith; her 28 great-grandchildren; and her sisters: Carrol Vollmer of Oregon, WI, and Donna Lenander of Yucca Valley, CA; and her daughter-in-law, Rose Simmons of Draper, Utah.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Loren Simmons; her son, Neil Simmons; her parents; her brothers: Eudell and Lyle; and her sisters: Wanda and Cleo.