May 21, 1939 - Oct. 13, 2026
Date of Service: Oct. 23, 2026
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RUPERT – Joyce Freckleton Simmons, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on May 21, 1939, in the close-knit community of Moore, Idaho, she was the cherished daughter of Ellis and Mildred Freckleton. Joyce's spirit and resilience were shaped by her upbringing and the enduring love of her family.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Gerald; her loving parents, Ellis and Mildred; her sisters, Jenny, Barbara, Elizabeth, Nancy, and her brother, Marlow; as well as her beloved daughter, Ann Kontos; and grandsons, Rhett Kontos and Brayden Blackmon. Despite these profound losses, Joyce's heart remained open, and her laughter was a source of light for those around her.
She is survived by her brother, Daniel Freckleton; and her children, Chuck, Jay, Karen, Jean, and Megan, who carry forward her legacy of love and kindness. Joyce was a proud grandmother to 15 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren each of whom held a special place in her heart.
On May 5, 1977, Joyce married the love of her life, Gerald Simmons, and later were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls, Idaho temple. Together they built a life filled with laughter and joy. Their partnership was a testament to love, resilience, and companionship.
Joyce had an exceptional passion and talent for flowers and gardening. She was known for growing her beautiful blooms from seeds or cuttings and generously shared her knowledge through classes, helping anyone interested in learning more. Her tomatoes and raspberries were a staple for local customers, cherished for their freshness and the love with which they were grown.
Beyond her green thumb, Joyce was gifted in crafting, quilting, crocheting, and baking. Her creations were treasured by family and friends, each piece a testament to her skill and creativity. Her love for telling jokes was legendary; she would often laugh so hard that she couldn’t finish telling the punch line, bringing joy and laughter to those around her. Mom also served in various positions in Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints.
Special thank you to Jessi, Aly and Heaven, Joyce's caregivers that were so kind and loving to her.
Joyce Simmons will be remembered for her unwavering love, her infectious laughter, and the beauty she brought to the world through her flowers and her heart. Her memory will forever bloom in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Family, friends, and all whose lives she touched are invited to gather to honor and remember her remarkable life.
The funeral will 1p.m. Friday, October 23, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Rupert 1st Ward, located at 806 G Street in Rupert, where family and friends will be received from 12 until 12:45 p.m. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of one's choice, a fitting tribute to Joyce's generous spirit and her dedication to helping others.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/cj7h35UB2rU.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hansen Mortuary of Rupert.
