Lia Mae Simons

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BOULDER Lia Mae Simons, 88, of Boulder, died of natural causes Wednesday, April 24, at home while baking cookies.



Memorial service will be announced in the near future.



Lia Mae was born May 24, 1924, to Joseph and Louise (Alt) Dailey. She was an only child, raised in the company of cousins, Carlin (Doc) Alt and Arthur Alt. The three cousins would enjoy mischievous times as they roamed the family ranch near Sterns.



The Daileys had a place outside of Wolf Creek where Lia Mae would experience the freedom of riding her horse, sport and hiking the mountains.



Lia Mae lived in Wolf Creek during the school year with her grandmother. Grandma Alt would have her work cut out for her, as Lia Mae would rather play in the dirt with her trucks than learn, cookin', cleanin' and wearing dresses. She began her education in Wolf Creek. Mr. Funk was her favorite teacher and the leader of the "Harmonica Band" of which she was a proud member. She attended high school in Cascade, living with the Tingtinger family during that time. After graduation in 1942, she chose a career in nursing and attended training at Columbus Hospital in Great Falls, graduating in 1945. Her nursing career began at Broadwater Hospital in Townsend.



It wasn't long before a handsome young soldier with sparkling blue eyes would sweep her onto the dance floor and off of her feet. On March 9th, 1947, Ralph "Speed" Simons and Lia Mae Dailey were married. They began their life together in Townsend, enjoying dancing, picnics and good times with friends and family. During this time they welcomed daughters, Judi and Susan (Sue) into their lives. In 1954, Speed's job with the Montana Power Company moved the family to Boulder and the family would grow to include Nita and Marty. Boulder would become their "forever" home.



Lee returned to nursing at Boulder River School & Hospital in the 60s and retired in the 70s. She then occupied her time caring for her family, bowling with "Bugs Bunnies," swimming (until her health issues slowed her down at the age of 85) and traveling with "Speed" and their friends.



Lee will be remembered for her bottomless cookie jar, award winning pies, beautiful embroidery, quick wit and sense of humor. She had a gift for making others feel important and valued. She listened without judging, without prying and without suggestion. Her door was always open as she welcomed people into her home and her life. Children and grandchildren will remember card games, playing catch, her ability to heal everything from cuts to broken hearts and her sense of fairness. She was the ultimate cheerleader in all areas of their lives.



Lee was proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, "Speed" in 2006; parents, Joe and Louise Dailey; her cousins, Carlin and Arthur Alt; in-laws, Estella and Frank Simons, brother in laws and spouses, Claude (Gladys) Simons, Delbert Simons, Earl Simons, Leo Simons, Rev. Lawrence Simons; and sister in law, Virginia (Sully) Sullivan.



Lee is survived by her children and their spouses, Judi (Larry) Saarinen, Sue (Sid) Miller, Nita (Ed) McCauley all of Boulder; her son, Marty (Sandy) of Whitehall; grandchildren, Jeff (Kellie) Saarinen, Jeremy Saarinen, Quentin (Ashley) McCauley, Justin and Kenna McCauley, Kyle (Kylie) Simons, Megan, Cody and Michaela Simons and great-granddaughter Bree Saarinen.



Others who were special to Lee include Maureen Franks and family, Dan Sullivan, Mike Sullivan and family, Kathy Fritz and family and friends to numerous to mention.



While we will miss mom deeply, we can't help but feel joy that she is reunited with our father and the love of her life. She is once again in the company of so many others that love her and that makes our sadness bearable. The Lord now holds her in the palm of his hand.



Our family wishes to give our heartfelt thanks to mom's wonderful caregivers, Beryle, Cyd, Geri, Kathy, Dorothy, Millisa, Amanda and Lori and the staff of Rocky Mountain Hospice. Their dedicated, loving care of Mom allowed her to remain in her home.



Memorials may be mailed to the family at PO Box 635, Boulder, Mt. Memorials received will be donated to the Boulder Swimming Pool, the Boulder Carousel fund and the Rodeo bleacher project in Lia's name.