Bonnie Lee Simmons

Bonnie Lee Simmons, 80, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, passed away December 26, 2024. She passed peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and closest friends after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
In January 1967, she married the love of her life, James "Crickett" Simmons. After almost 58 years Bonnie and Crickett were still best friends.
Bonnie served as a Magistrate for Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg for 11 years. During those years she showed the same compassion and respect to all who appeared before her no matter their circumstances. After that, Bonnie served as Clerk of the General District Court for the 26th District for nearly 30 years.
One of her most honored roles was being a civil marriage celebrant which she was appointed to by the Circuit Court in 1990. Over her 34 years of officiating thousands of marriages, she enjoyed meeting new people and reveled in the fact that she married several members of families. Her most notable marriage was Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss who happened to be in Harrisonburg that day.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Lawson, and sister Donnie Delaughter.
Surviving in addition to her husband are her beloved only child, Sheli Simmons Rush, and husband, Chris Rush (Singers Glen), and her most treasured person in the entire world, her grandson, Gavin Carter Rush (Staunton) and girlfriend, Abbey Coscia. She also had several grand dogs that she loved so much.
In addition, she is survived by her nephews, Terry Lawson and wife, Cindy (Panama City Beach, FL), Steve Simmons and wife, Lisa (Bridgewater) (along with their children, Stefanie Manbeck and Ted Simmons), Todd Simmons, and wife Tonia (Dayton) (along with their children Erica Maddox and husband, Shawn, Tyler Simmons (god son) (wife Kristie), and Erin Simmons Dean (god daughter) (husband Chad). Bonnie was a very proud and loving second mother to two very special "daughters" Dawn Shifflett Krall (Harrisonburg) and Michele Shifflett Carter (Timberville).
The family would like to thank the entire staff at the Sentara/RMH Hahn Cancer Center for their incredible care, compassion, relentless effort and support. Dr. Zhijie Gao and all of the nurses showed so much love to both her and her daughter and will forever be considered "family." (Please keep "Bonnie's Bookshelf" going for her!) Additionally, the Sentara/RMH Hospice staff for their care and support.
Per her request, there will be no formal funeral. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. The burial will be private.
Her final resting place will be at Rest Haven Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to RMH Hahn Cancer Center by visiting https://www.supportrmh.org/give-your-way/donate-now/