Mary Ellen "Nell" Simmons, age 105, of Williamsburg, Iowa died Monday, August 31, 2009, at Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo, Iowa from complications of age. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 A.M. Friday September 4, 2009 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Williamsburg, Iowa with Father Joseph Roost officiating. Burial will be in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Williamsburg, Iowa. Friends may call from 4 to 7 P.M. Thursday, September 3, 2009 at Saint Mary's Hall in Williamsburg, Iowa where there will be a Scripture Service at 7 P.M. Memorials may be contributed to Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Williamsburg, Iowa or Safe Haven of Iowa County. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Nell is survived by nine nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon Simmons; her parents, Mary Ellen (Kilroy) and Michael F. Naughton; and her seven brothers and sisters: M. Clarence Naughton, Margaret Glanz, J. Walter Naughton, J. Paul Naughton, Rita Driscoll, James F. Naughton and John L. Naughton.

Mary Ellen "Nell" Simmons was born June 17, 1904 on her family farm located between Williamsburg and Parnell, Iowa, the daughter of Michael and Mary Ellen Kilroy Naughton. She graduated from Parnell Consolidated School in 1924 and was proud to have won a top spelling and penmanship award that served her well throughout her long life as she was a prolific letter writer. Nell helped her parents at home raising their large family and provided financial support to the household with housekeeping jobs in Iowa City, Iowa. She married Eldon Simmons at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Williamsburg, Iowa. In 1934 she went to work for Durr Grocery Store in Williamsburg, Iowa, and in 1936 was hired by Oren Pete Peterson owner of Peterson Drug in Williamsburg, Iowa. She had aspirations of becoming a pharmacist, and worked for Mr. Peterson and later his son-in-law, John Engel, for 47 years; retiring in 1983. Nell was proud to have put up over 100 prescriptions in one day, and was a long-time caregiver and friend to many in the Williamsburg community. She was honored as one of the Senior Grand Marshals at Williamsburg's Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2007.

Nell and her husband Eldie loved the Rocky Mountains where they vacationed for many years. Although they had no children themselves, they loved to spend time with family and their many nieces and nephews. Nell will always be remembered for her quick Irish wit and sense of humor. She was a friend to all who came in contact with her, and will be missed by her family and friends.