Funeral services for Evelyn Simons, 94, of Newell will be Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 until service time. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Redig Funeral Home of Aurelia.

Evelyn Lee Simons, age 94, of Newell, Iowa died on May 30, 2025 at her home in Newell surrounded by her loving family.

Evelyn Lee (Gipple) Simons was born October 15, 1930, to Harvey and Ruth Gipple in Bridgewater, Iowa. She attended school in Bridgewater, Iowa, graduating in 1947. After high school, she attended Commercial Extension Business College in Omaha, where she played collegiate basketball and softball. Evelyn worked at the Newell-Providence Schools and held many positions and was High School Principal Secretary for many years until her retirement.

On August 20, 1950, Evelyn was united in marriage to Norman Lester (Si) Simons at the Methodist Church in Bridgewater, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Leslee Diane, Mark Randall, Christa Lynn and Laura Lee.

Evelyn was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she held the title of Worthy Matron alongside her husband, when he was Worthy Patron. They brought their daughters into the Order of the Eastern Star, as well. Evelyn also served at Nain Lutheran Church on Altar and Funeral Committees.

Evelyn loved camping, fishing, mushroom hunting, especially with Si and the kids and her favorite hobby was feeding and watching birds. She was a master at identifying birds from the moment she caught a glimpse or heard its’ song. She and Si shared their enthusiasm for attracting Purple Martins, Baltimore Orioles, Grosbeaks, Catbirds, Indigo Buntings, Chickadees and Cardinals and taught many others including their children and grandchildren birding skills.

She was an avid golfer with many holes-in-one to her credit over the years. She loved all sports, especially Newell-Fonda high school sports and would listen to them on the radio with her daughters. Evelyn also loved watching the Iowa Hawkeye and Iowa State men’s and women’s teams in every sport. She also loved to cheer on the professional women’s volleyball teams and the WNBA teams.

Evelyn was an incredible cook. Si was an avid hunter, and she became proficient in preparing delicious game and fish recipes. Her children always shared that they thought everyone ate venison, pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel, frog legs and all types of fish. Her Danish Aebleskivers and Yardsticks were always a family favorite.

Evelyn and Si wintered for many seasons in Florida and then in Texas, but most of their winters were spent in Florence, Arizona. They loved their many friends and relatives who made Arizona their winter oasis. In the past several years, Leslee also joined them in Arizona to assist them and enjoy golfing, as well.

Left to cherish Evelyn’s memory include her adoring children: Leslee Oziah of O’Fallon, Missouri; Christa Simons of Boone, Iowa; Daughter-in-Law: Deb (Mark) Miller of Perry, Iowa; Sister, Kathye Miller of Fontanelle, Iowa; Brother-in-Law: Glenn Cue of Fort Dodge, Iowa; grandchildren: Tracey (Rod) Brooks of Wolcott, Indiana; Michelle Bowman of Lebanon, Indiana; Joel (Adrianne) Oziah of Waterman, Illinois; Jeremy (Jessica) Oziah of Greeley, Colorado;      Dr. Mark (Molly) Simons of Poolesville, Maryland; Bridgette Scott of Ames, Iowa; Benjamin (Heather) Ure of Ames, Iowa; Christopher (Ashley) Ure of Boone, Iowa; Lindsey (Nathan) Stewart of Madison, Alabama; Leah Schipper of Newell, Iowa; Simon Cowell of Newell, Iowa; Thomas (Jazmine) Cowell of Newell, Iowa; great-grandchildren: Kinzi Brooks; Ian Brooks; Samantha Bowman; Jaland Bowman; JoLee Bowman; Gretta Oziah; Gemma Oziah; Gannon Oziah; Page Oziah, Bradley Oziah; Jennavieve Ure; Gage Ure; Dylan Stewart; Joshua Stewart; Chael Newman; Chandler Newman; Camryn Newman; Colton Schipper; Christian Schipper; Kellan Cowell; Paislee Cowell; Kinslee Cowell; Wrenlee Cowell; great-great grandchild: Dezmond Bowman-Clark; and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Simons in April 2023; son Mark Randall Simons in September 1976, daughter, Laura Lee Simons in December 2023, her parents Harvey and Ruth Gipple, her parents-in-law, Paul and Antionette Simons; brother, Lewis Gipple, sister, Lois Anderson; Sisters-in-law, Marie Cue and Paulyn Ruechel, Brothers-in-law Sonny Anderson and Delmar Miller.

She was the unwavering foundation of strength, love and resilience that our family was blessed to receive from her, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She will remain forever in our hearts.