Betty Simmons, a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at the age of 91 at Dougherty Hospice.

Visitation with the family present will be from 3 to 4 pm with a memorial service beginning at 4 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 South Main Avenue. Private burial will be held at Woodlawn.

Born on November 21, 1934, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Betty was the daughter of Ray and Effie (Harkreader) Pogue. She was raised in Arkansas and graduated from Fort Smith (Northside) High School in 1952. Following high school, she pursued higher education at the University of Arkansas and Augustana College, ultimately earning a Bachelor's Degree from Southeastern Technical Institute.

On July 1, 1961, Betty married Thomas "Jerry" Simmons in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The couple relocated to Sioux Falls, where they became devoted parents to their two sons, Thomas Jr. and Michael.

Throughout her career, Betty worked as a bookkeeper and was a part-owner of Sorenson Broadcasting Corporation. She also served as the president of SD Transport Service Inc. In addition to her professional achievements, Betty was an active community member, holding positions on the boards of various organizations, including Sorenson Broadcasting, Northwestern National Bank (now Wells Fargo), the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, and the Bluffs Homeowners Association.

Betty thoroughly enjoyed meetings in her PEO organization and the Alta Petens Study Club. She was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church where she served as a lay speaker. Her passion for service extended to numerous volunteer organizations, where she contributed her time and expertise to the Alzheimer's Association, Crippled Children's Care Hospital, United Way, and the Sioux Empire Arts Council.

Betty is survived by her son, Michael Simmons of Sioux Falls; her grandchildren, Lydia (Tyler) Wilson, Delaney, and Emmett Simmons; her great-grandson Soren; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry; son Thomas Simmons Jr. her sister, Susan Krock of San Francisco, CA; and her sister-in-law, Corlyn DeMarse of Holbrook, AZ.