Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

Donna Jean Simonson, 85, passed away December 19, 2023 at the Washakie Medical Center in Worland, Wyoming.

She was born on April 12, 1938 in Worland, Wyoming, the only child of William Elmo and Lena (Albert) Graff. The hospital was on Big Horn Avenue and was above Veile's flower shop.

She attended school in Worland, graduating from WCHS in 1956. She attended the University of Wyoming for one year and then worked at Farmers State Bank in Worland before marrying Joe M Simonson on September 12, 1958 in Worland. Two children were born to this union, Gregory and Steve.

Joe and Donna spent most of their married life in Montana, moving to Cut Bank, Broadus and finally Glendive. Donna was an active member of the ladies Cottonwood Country Club, the Glendive BPW, served on the Glendive Chamber of Commerce Board and was a member of the Methodist Church. She retired from Heritage Savings Bank after 20 years, serving as Branch manager for 16. She and Joe were snowbirds and spent 12 years relocating in the winter to Hemet, CA. She especially enjoyed golfing in the Hernet area. They spent many enjoyable hours taking trips in the 5th wheel. In 2004, they moved back to her hometown of Worland where she was an active volunteer at the Senior Center and with the hospital auxiliary. She enjoyed her family, her gardening, especially her iris, golfing and reading.

She was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Joe.

She is survived by her sons, Greg (Jamie) of Fountain, Colorado and Steve (Rachel) of Billings, Montana; grandchildren, Erick (Becky) Simonson of Olympia, Washington, Marcus (Missy) Simonson of Gig Harbor, Washington, Christie and Sgt. Dave Lawton of Lakewood Washington and Gary (Wendy) Simonson of Salt Lake City, Utah; great-grandsons, Austin, Trent, Joes, Andrew and Miles; great-granddaughters, Audrina and Winifred.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held 1:00 PM, Friday December 29, 2023 at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel in Worland, Wyoming. Memorial donations may be made to the Worland Senior Center or the Hospital Auxiliary Foundation. Please send checks to PO Box 524 Worland, Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryant

funeralhomeonline.com.