Obituary of Julia Ellen Simmons

Julia “Judy” Ellen (Holmes) Simmons, 82, of Anamosa, Iowa passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 30, 2024 at the American Legion Hall in Monticello, Iowa. During this celebration, there will be a small service from 2 – 2:30 p.m. for visitors to take part in sharing stories of Judy.

Judy was born on February 10, 1942 in Monticello, IA, daughter of William and Erhmal (Farnham) Holmes. She married Glenn “Bud” Simmons on March 3, 1960. Together they moved to Amber, IA in 1973 and raised 4 children.

Judy worked at Rockwell Collins for 30 years, but her favorite “job” was being a mother and a grandmother. During her free time, she enjoyed scrabble, cards, farkle, gambling, golf, bowling, crochet, and being a world traveler with her trip to Paris in 2003. While living in Amber, IA, Judy became a member of the Amberettes and has continued to be a member since 1973. She loved spending time with her family and was a huge supporter of her children and grandchildren at all sporting, drama, and speech events.

Survivors include 2 sons: Jack J. (Judy) Simmons of Laveen, AZ and John M. Simmons of Cedar Rapids, IA;

4 grandchildren: Sherry (Husband, Daniel Eakin) McGlaughlin, Michael McGlaughlin, Dylan Grover, Rebekah Simmons, and a great-grandchild, Andres Grover; siblings: James R. Holmes, Donald R. (Connie Shover) Holmes, and Linda J. Varner.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Glenn “Bud” in 2014, two daughters: Jennifer Simmons in 2013 and Rebecca Simmons in 1984, and one grandson, Jackson Simmons in 2014; siblings: William H., Mary "Callene", Erhmal "Jean", Berkeley F., Lawrence "Tim", Shirley A., Thomas G.

The family would like to express a big thank you to Denice Sidway, Erin Donovan, Andy Donovan, Gabriella Donovan, Addylin Donovan, Harper Donovan, and Hayden Donovan for allowing Judy to live out her days at home.

Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.