Lavada Gwennie Simmons

LaVada Gwennie Strong Simmons, 94, of Lorenzo, passed away September 23, 2005, at Mt. Vernon Assisted Living in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice. She was born August 13, 1911, in Springville, Utah, to Joseph Mendenhall Strong and Gwenlleyn Elizabeth Jenkins Strong. She attended school in LaBelle, Idaho and Springville, Utah. On April 7, 1932, she married Earl H. Simmons in Menan, Idaho. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on October 30, 1973. They settled and made their home in Lorenzo, Idaho, farming and gardening together. She worked in the Rigby Seed-house and for Potato Growers in Idaho Falls. She enjoyed her flowers, and making clothes for her family, was excellent at quilting and crocheting afghans and she loved to dance. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held various positions in Primary, MIA and Relief Society. Survivors include her children, Norma Jean (Artell) Mugleston of Lorenzo, Darlene (Herb) Wilde of Iona, and Larry (Alta) Simmons of Island Park; 11 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl H. Simmons; her siblings; and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be held Monday September 26, 2005, at 12:00 noon in the LaBelle 2nd Ward LDS Church with Bishop Rod Furniss officiating. The family will visit with friends on Sunday Evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel and on Monday from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at the LaBelle Church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.