Melba Dale Simmons

Melba D. Simmons, 89, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Southridge Nursing and Rehab Center. Funeral services for Melba will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Vellinga officiating.  Public visitation will be held one hour prior to services.  Melba will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens following services.  Memorial contributions may be directed in Melba’s name to her family.  For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234.  Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Melba and her family. Melba Dale Hammond was born on February 26, 1928 in Newcastle, Nebraska, the daughter of James and Opal (Johnson) Hammond.  She was raised and educated in the Montour School District, graduating from Montour High School.  On September 30, 1948, Melba was united in marriage to James Simmons on the family farm in Montour.  From this union three sons were born: Bill, Bob and Tom. Melba was a favorite of the employees at Lennox since she was the head of factory payroll.  She had a passion for making and collecting dolls, cooking, playing cards, singing and dancing, and being an all-around wonderful woman. Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Bill (Carla) Simmons, Bob Simmons and Tom Simmons; two grandchildren: Sean and Ryan; one sister: Doris Kouba; many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband: James; both sets of parents; one sister: Lois Scott and one brother: Jim Hammond.