Gladys Jean (Thurston) Simmons

Gladys Jean (Thurston) Simmons, 84, passed into eternity while surrounded by loving family at her home on the evening of Monday, December 14, 2020, after losing her battle with cancer. 
Family will hold a public graveside service at 11:00 am on Friday, December 18, 2020, at the Tipton Masonic Cemetery with Rev. Ron Lashmit officiating.
In memory of Gladys, a memorial fund has been established for the Iowa City Hospice. Family asks that all cards and memorials be mailed in c/o Donald Simmons, 303 Orange St. Tipton, IA 52772. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com
Gladys, daughter of Samuel Herbert and Leona Mae (Wagner) Thurston, was born at home on Tuesday, May 12, 1936, in Tipton, Iowa. She graduated with the Tipton Class of 1954.
On October 13, 1956, Gladys was united in marriage to the love of her life Donald Lewis Simmons at the Methodist Chapel in Iowa City. They were blessed with two daughters: Tina Renae and Darcy Lynn. 
Gladys was a homemaker who also helped the handicapped for 15 years while working at the Cedar County Workshop in Tipton. Apart from two years in Cedar Rapids she lived her whole life in Tipton. Gladys loved watching the red cardinals outside her window, was a member of the Cedar County Peacemakers Quilt Guild and was a very talented and avid crafter. She had an adventurous spirit; she enjoyed going to craft shows and on outings with her family.  She also loved her grand-dogs, Chloe and Dallas; but more than anything, she enjoyed being with and watching videos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family will always cherish the memory of her telling them, “Love you to the moon and back.” 
Gladys is survived by her husband, Donald Simmons of Tipton, IA; daughters, Tina Renae (Roger) Woode of Lake Mary, FL and Darcy Lynn (Kary) Miller of Ely, IA; sisters, Marie Aegeter-Ratcliff of AR, Velma Mae Robinson of Stanwood, IA and Joanne Daufeldt of Tipton, IA; brothers, Rudy Thurston of Tipton, IA and Dan Thurston of MI; granddaughters, Jennifer (Matt) Hahn and Jamie (Matt) McClung; and four great-grandchildren, Dylan and Mia Hahn, and Olivia and Chase McClung.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Violet Wiskus and Margaret Garmon.

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