Emma Louise Simons, 91

Emma Louise Simons, 91, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Emma was born Sept. 25, 1918, to Louis and Emma (Holman) Janata in San Francisco, Calif. The family lived in Merced, Calif., where Emma attended school and worked after graduation.

She met Jack Simons, a young soldier, while working at Merced Army Flying School. Jack and Emma were married in Oilmont, Mont., in October 1942. They spent the next several years at various military bases throughout the states.

After completion of military service, Jack and Emma lived in the Pacific Northwest, eventually settling in St. Regis, Mont. in 1952, where they lived, worked, ran a cattle ranch, and raised three children.

Emma worked for the U.S. Forest Service at Savanac Nursery, and later St. Regis Work Center and Superior Ranger District.

After retirement in 1982, Emma continued to follow her passion for clerical work for another 18 years as the site manager for the St. Regis Senior Citizens Center.

Jack and Emma celebrated 62 years of marriage before Jack's death in 2004. Emma was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Lester.

Emma is survived by son Gerry Simons of Priest River, Idaho; daughter Glenda Simons of Englewood, Colo.; daughter Mickey Kincaid and husband Neal of Sandpoint; granddaughter Corinne Flowers-Philyaw and husband Gregor of Sandpoint; granddaughter Teri Rogers of Havre, Mont.; and great-grandchildren Trinity and Hayden.

Emma will always be remembered by those who loved her as an incredibly grand and witty woman of great dignity and composure. She was warm-hearted and funny, independent, and strong in body and mind.

A memorial service for Jack and Emma will be held in October in St. Regis. Contributions in memory of Emma can be made to the St. Regis Senior Citizens Center.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Emma's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuenral.com and sign her guest book.