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Laura Lee Simons, 67, of Newell passed away on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 at her home.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 18, at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell with Pastor Scottt Essing officiating. Burial will follow at Newell Cemetery. After burial, light refreshments and fellowship will be held at the church. Visitation will be Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at Nain Lutheran Church. Redig Funeral Home in Aurelia is in charge of arrangements.
Laura Simons was born on Oct. 7, 1956 in Schaller, to Norman Lester Simons and Evelyn Lee (Gipple) Simons of Newell. Laura attended and graduated from Newell Providence in 1975. Laura went to Southwestern Community College in Creston, and studied journalism and communications.
Laura’s biggest passion was caring for people. She loved sitting with her mom and her children and grandchildren watching the birds, talking about the day, and reminiscing about life. Sometimes, words wouldn't even be needed — just being around her comforting presence was all it took to put anyone at ease. Laura was like a second mom to many people, including the friends of her children.
Whether at recent jobs such as Walgreens or Mike’s Lawn Service in Storm Lake, she always had time to talk to people, check in with them and make sure they felt seen and cared for. The way Laura loved people will live on in the lives she impacted.
Laura was a great cook, and her ham balls, fried chicken, chili, roast and potatoes, baked beans, banana bars, Dalmatian cupcakes and tomato steak gravy are legendary. She never used measurements, just love, and it always turned out perfectly. She loved gardening and being with her cat, Kitten, and dog, Minnie. Her smile was contagious and she loved to laugh.
Laura was a deep thinker who loved crime shows, British TV, crossword puzzles, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She enjoyed conversations surrounding current events and politics — and election season was her favorite. Laura loved watching NFL games on TV and following her beloved Raiders, cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones with her children, as well as watching and listening to Newell-Fonda boys' and girls’ games throughout the year. Often, she and her children, or her sisters and mom, would talk on the phone or over text throughout games to experience them together, and those memories will be cherished forever.
Laura is preceded in death by her father Norman Simons; brother Mark Simons; child, baby Cowell; as well as pets Brenny, Sweetie Pie, Fancy and Mike Jones.
Those who will love and miss Laura dearly are her mother Evelyn Simons of Newell; her sisters, Leslee Oziah of O'Fallon, Mo., and Christa Simons of Boone; sister-in-law Deb (Mark) Miller of Perry, as well as her children Lindsey (Nathan) Stewart of Madison, Ala.; Leah (Matt) Schipper of Gann Valley, S.D.; Simon Cowell of Newell; and Thomas (Jazmine) Cowell of Newell. She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Dylan and Joshua Stewart of Madison, Ala.; Chael, Chandler, Camryn, Colton and Christian Schipper of Gann Valley, S.D.; Kellan, Paislee, Kinslee and Wrenlee Cowell of Newell; nieces and nephews: Michelle Eisenhauer, Tracey (Rod) Brooks, Joel (Adrienne) Oziah, Jeremy (Jess) Oziah, Ben (Heather) Ure, Chris (Ashley) Ure, Mark Paul (Molly) Simons and Bridgette Scott; as well as extended family, friends and co-workers.
