Donna Kay (Gansauer)Simmons peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 78, with her husband, Vern Simmons, and son, Scott Simmons, by her side in Zephyrhills FL. Donna was born on December 24, 1946, in Centralia, Illinois, to Erwin (Zuke) & Helen (Hopkins) Gansauer
She was a graduate of CTHS in 1965. After high school, she married her high school sweetheart Vern Simmons in 1968 and they moved to St. Charles MO shortly thereafter. Later, they had two beautiful children, Scott Simmons(Kristi) of St.Charles, and a daughter Kathryn Simmons, who preceded her in death in 1999. Donna has three wonderful grandchildren, Jacob, Hallie, and Lorraine Simmons who will always remember the fun times they spent with their Gammy.
Donna is also survived by her brother-in-law David Kell of Centralia IL, a brother and sister-in-law Leroy and Bev Short of Vandalia, IL, and a sister-in-law Angie Gansauer of Edwardsville IL formerly of Centralia IL. and several nieces and nephews.
Donna’s parents and daughter will be standing at Heaven’s Gates along with her brothers Tom and Mike Gansauer and sister Beverly Kell, father and mother-in-law Gleason and Pearl Simmons, and niece Ronda Halliday.
Donna loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals Tampa Bay Bucs and her crime shows. Most of all, she loved being with her family and friends. Donna worked for Grand Prairie School in Centralia, Illinois, as a cook until her retirement. Donna was a member of the New Walk Church in Zephyrhills FL. She loved our Lord and Savior and her church family.
Per Donna’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and no public services will be held.
