Iris Leon Simpkins

Iris L. Simpkins, 77, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024 at her home. She was born September 15, 1946 in St. Joseph, daughter of Cordelia and Nelson "Bud" Downey. She graduated from Benton High School, class of 1964. Iris was a Charter Member of Community Christian Church, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and with Vacation Bible School. Growing up, Iris enjoyed playing all kinds of sports, particularly softball, where she excelled in pitching. On June 14, 1969, she married Russell Simpkins of Marceline, MO at Community Christian Church. In her younger years, she enjoyed farm life, gardening and canning. Iris was an amazing cook and loved fixing dinners for her family and her grandchildren especially looked forward to her Sunday Dinners. She retired as a cook with the St. Joseph School District. Iris loved spending Saturdays watching College Football. She knew who Patrick Mahomes was before anyone else. She also was an avid Chiefs fan. She loved her family and the time she spent with them. She loved attending her children and grandchildren's sports games and was their biggest cheerleader and supporter. Iris was preceded in death by her parents, and mother-in-law, Dorothy Simpkins. Survivors include: husband, Russell Simpkins of the home, and they were blessed with 4 children, Kent (Dana) Simpkins of St. Joseph, Kyle (Dana) Simpkins of Helena, MO, Megan (Ryan) Geiler of St. Joseph, and Melissa Green of Dearborn, MO, sister, Rebecca (Harold) Stewart of St. Joseph, 9 grandchildren, Blake, Taylor, Addison, Alexandria, Tatum Grace, Donovan, Nathaniel, and Landen. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Monday at Community Christian Church with Jeff Atkins officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday at the church. The Interment will follow at Sparta Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Community Christian Church.