White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Louella Ann Simmons, affectionately known as “Lou,” of Independence, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, at UnityPoint – St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m. - Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at White Funeral Home, Independence, followed by burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Independence. A light meal will be served at the VFW Post 2440 following burial.

Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Louella was born April 4, 1937, in Independence, the daughter of Clifford and Verna (Baker) Brimmer. She attended school in Independence and graduated from Independence High School with the Class of 1955. She continued her education at the St. Luke’s School of Nursing and graduated in 1957. On June 18, she married Donald “Simmy” Simmons, and together they built a life centered around love, family, and community.

Lou worked at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, Iowa, and for Dr. John Mochel in Independence, followed by a long career working in the lab at the MHI in Independence. She retired in 1997 after 32 years in the medical field.

After retirement, Don and Lou spent wonderful years traveling and visiting family in Texas and New Mexico. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, and she always looked forward to their visits and phone calls. Lou loved and lived for her family.

Lou is survived by her sons, Jeff (RoseMary) Simmons of San Antonio, Texas, Greg (Nina) Simmons of rural Quasqueton, Iowa; her daughter, Jenny (Eric) Shonka of Omaha, Nebraska; her six cherished grandchildren, Christina Simmons, Elissa Simmons, Alissa (Jedd) Spidell, Jacob Lewis (Alissa Latteyer), Logan Shonka, and Isabelle Shonka.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Verna Brimmer; husband, Donald Simmons; her brother, Frank Brimmer; and her sister Shirley Gee.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be given to some of Lou’s favorite causes.
Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.

White Funeral Home of Independence, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.