Bonnie Jean Simpson, age 86 years and 6 days, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on Friday, July 25, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date.

Bonnie was born on July 19, 1939, in Milbank, South Dakota, the only child of Eugene and Grace Kimball. She spent her early years in the Milbank and Mobridge areas before moving to Sioux Falls during her high school years. Bonnie graduated from Washington High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from what was then Augustana College.

Her life changed forever after a chance introduction to her best friend's cousin, Thomas F. Simpson. They were married on January 23, 1965, in Sioux Falls and shared 47 beautiful years of marriage filled with love, travel, and family. Together they raised three children and were blessed with seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Bonnie's professional life was as vibrant and varied as her personality. She began her career working for the Social Security Administration in Kansas City and later for TV Guide in Minneapolis. After her marriage, she joined the Sioux Falls Public Library staff for nine years before the family moved to Geddes, South Dakota. There, she embraced the rewarding role of Elementary Teaching Assistant for a dual-grade (5th/6th) classroom. Upon returning to Sioux Falls, she held several positions at Austad's, CCL Label, and Ben Franklin Crafts before settling into her final role in the Medical Records Department at Sioux Valley Hospital, retiring after nine years of dedicated service.

Bonnie had a deep love of reading, particularly mystery novels, and was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast. She loved traveling, especially to visit her children, and one of her most cherished adventures was a trip to Europe with her daughter.

Above all, Bonnie treasured relationships. She maintained a lifelong friendship with her high school best friend, Sylvia (Ruesink) Ferguson, and found great joy in spending time with her dear friends Janet, Judy, and Shirley. Her greatest delight was always in visiting with and entertaining her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Resa (Lee) Porter of Geddes, SD; sons Thomas E. (Perla) Simpson of Chula Vista, CA, and Brett K. Simpson of Myrtle Beach, SC; honorary son and daughter, Jon and Jodi Eck of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Shelby (Bryant) Schoenrock of Platte, SD; Jenetta (Aaron) Lagge of Newell, SD; Cydney Porter of Geddes, SD; Ashton (Rebecca) Porter of Parkston, SD; Princess Ruiz of Chula Vista, CA; Joshua Simpson of Salt Lake City, UT; Christopher Simpson of Chula Vista, CA; and Nolan and Tenly Eck of Sioux Falls, SD; along with eight great-grandchildren including McKenzie, Braylynn, Zachary, Hudson, Barrett, Terry, Lee and Jordan.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas F. Simpson.

Bonnie loved her plants so in lieu of flowers, please consider sending a plant or planting a tree in Bonnie's name.