Darlene Evelyn Simms' Obituary
Darlene Evelyn (Stickler) Simms, age 85, passed away on April 10, 2025 at Harmony Nursing Home in West Des Moines, Iowa, with her devoted family by her side.
Darlene was born on June 29, 1939, in Seymour, Iowa, to Gail and Georgia (Shiltz) Stickler. She was later joined by little brother Rollie. She graduated from Mystic High School with the class of 1958. Darlene met the love of her life in high school, Don Simms, and they married on November 12, 1960, shortly after his return from the Army. Don often shared that he knew the moment he saw her that she was the one, and that their wedding day was "the day his life began". They believed that when their daughter, Lisa, came along, they became a family. They shared 58 years of marriage before he passed in 2019.
Darlene worked as a telephone operator in Centerville and Des Moines, at Union Carbide, and at the Lakeview cafeteria in the Centerville School System. She especially enjoyed her position as the lunch ticket lady - she loved working with the children, and each and every one was special to her. She retired from the school district in 1998.
She was a very active member of the Numa Christian Church until its closure, the Cincinnati Christian Church, and volunteered at the Golden Age and for various animal rescue organizations. Darlene was strong in her faith and an unparalleled Prayer Warrior. Her family often teased that when Darlene started to pray, God said, "just do as she asks - we'll have no peace until we do!"
Darlene was stronger than she knew, loved her family deeply, and loved spending time with her family and friends. And, of course her pets. Strays would show up, she would take them in, and Don would add another room onto their rescue facility. Darlene saw the good in every living thing, and led with kindness and respect.
Darlene is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Tony) Schmid; sisters-in-law, Marge Stickler, and Ramona (John) Zahn, as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Darlene is preceded in death by her husband, Don, her parents, grandparents; brother Rollie Stickler; sisters-in law Alice (Bob) George, Doris (Ed) Laughery, Laura Simms; brother-in-law Burt (Joyce) Simms.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Visitation will begin at 10:00AM, and a funeral service at 1:00PM. Interment will take place after at Highland Cemetery in Mystic.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Cincinnati, directly to an animal rescue of your choice in her name, or to the Simms/Schmid Family if you would like for us to choose. Memorials to the church or family can be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home ATTN: Simms Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
In keeping with Darlene's belief that dessert was the best (only?) part of any meal, and that one should never have to wait, desserts will be served.
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