Merna Simmons

Merna (Mrs. Charles) Simmons, 83, of Trenton, IA, died Saturday, June 9, 2012, at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jeff McPheron officiating. The family will continue to receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Trenton United Methodist Church and HCI Care Services (Hospice of Central Iowa). According to her wishes, cremation will be accorded following the services. Born April 8, 1929, in Mt. Pleasant, IA, Merna Louise was the daughter of Ray and Imal (Norton) Rich. She attended local country schools in Henry County. Later she moved to California and returned several years later to Trenton, where she lived the remainder of her life. On September 18, 1952, she was united in marriage to Charles Simmons at the Trenton United Methodist Church. Merna worked at various jobs, but is best remembered as a Mt. Pleasant Community School District bus driver for 27 years until her retirement. She had such a spirit of independence and adventure. She loved riding motorcycles, driving in women's car races, bowling, playing on women's baseball teams, playing guitar and singing. Merna was a member of the local music groups, the "Scrubs" and the "Rhythm Rockers." She was baptized and was a member of the Trenton United Methodist Church. Merna had such a kind heart and was always ready to help others. Her wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all. Merna is survived by her husband, Charles of Trenton, IA; a daughter, Sherri Simmons-Martin of Trenton, IA; one brother, Melvin (Beryl) Rich of Mt. Pleasant, IA; two sisters, Wanda Hatch of Mt. Pleasant, IA, and Ardith (Tom) Rump of Burlington, IA. Also surviving are four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren of Oklahoma, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and a sister.