Theresa Simmons 'Terry' - Winterset

On October 3, 2014, Theresa Elizabeth (Johnson) Simmons, Angel First Class, went to her Heavenly Home to care for all those babies in Heaven. A celebration of her life will take place 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 8, at the First United Methodist Church. Family will greet friends from 10:00 AM until service time on Wednesday at the church. Terry was born on March 2, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa, the eldest daughter of Jimmie and Colleen Johnson. Terry graduated from Clarion High School in 1976 and continued her education at Iowa Central Community College in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. She earned a degree in nursing. To say that nursing was a passion for Terry would be an understatement. Her career took her on many nursing adventures in Denver, Colorado followed by a cross country jaunt to Clearwater, Florida. During this time Terry was married to her best friend Steve Simmons. Later their careers would move the two to North Carolina, Michigan, and ultimately to Winterset, Iowa. Winterset not only the next stopping point, it was truly home. This was where Terry would enjoy building a home to enjoy with Steve, "The Boys", and of course, her dogs. Winterset was where she would see her boys graduate and to begin her journey with Madison County Memorial Hospital. Terry moved from the role of nursing to being a mentor, teacher, and all around friend. Terry was particularly proud of being a coach and teacher to her co-workers, also known as her "Extended Family". She was so proud of the professional and caring people that she worked with. Terry had a love for nursing, but her love for family was unprecedented. She cherished the time with Steve, her beloved husband of 30 years, and of course, "The Boys", Jack and Joe. Terry is survived by her husband Steve, whom affectionately knew her as Therese; her children, Jack (25) and Joe (22), whom called Terry many names, but most notably were Gayley and MOM; father and mother, Jimmie and Colleen Johnson; brothers, Dave Johnson, Lee Johnson, John Johnson, and Jake Johnson; sisters, Patty Gangestad, Kay Marker, and Laura Williams; mother-in-law, Delores Mechem; and all the physicians and staff of the Madison County Memorial Hospital. Terry touched so many lives and will be deeply missed, but we know that the positive impact that she made on people will live on thru them. Memorials can be directed to the person sitting next to you, as Terry would want you to just take your significant other out for a date and embrace and enjoy this very moment, and this can also be used as a note as she gives you permission to "play hookie" and go on a "play date" with your best friend. In lieu of flowers, Terry would request donations to the Madison County Memorial Hospital or the First United Methodist Church. Service: 11:00 AM Wednesday October 8, 2014 First United Methodist Church Winterset Visitation: Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to service time on Wednesday at the church First United Methodist Church Winterset