Barbara “Barb” Kay Simons was born on October 11, 1937, in Melroze, New Mexico, to William “Bill” and Vanita (Dawson) Newbill.
Barb discovered her love of art at an early age, spending hours sketching portraits of her favorite movie stars with charcoal and pencil. Later in life, she explored watercolor painting through a course at Black Hills State University. Her family treasures her artwork, and each grandchild holds a piece of her collection as a reminder of her creativity and love.
Barb met Walter “Walt” Simons at her family’s cabin in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico.
Walt was visiting a friend and neighbor of his parents, who also had a cabin nearby. Family lore suggests it was love at first sight—though Barb would jokingly admit that Walt had a bit of arrogance about him. Her father, Bill, quickly saw Walt’s good character and gave his blessing.
Barb and Walt married in 1955 and shared 68 wonderful years together before Walt’s passing in 2024. They lived in many places throughout their early years but eventually settled in Walt’s hometown of Sturgis, South Dakota, where they raised their three children—Colette, Larry, and Lisa.
Barb’s life was marked by a spirit of service and creativity. She volunteered as a candy striper
with the Sturgis Hospital Auxiliary, served as a Welcome Wagon hostess for the Sturgis
Chamber of Commerce, worked as an Avon representative, and supported Walt as his
secretary and assistant. She was also proud to be part of the Red Hat Society. With her
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she shared her love of the arts through painting, piano playing, tea parties, themed suppers, and countless craft projects. While she rarely spoke about her own childhood, Barb loved to share her Albuquerque roots and her passion for good Mexican food with her family.
Barb passed away on August 15, 2025, at Monument Health Sturgis Care Center in Sturgis.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walt; her parents, Bill and Vanita Newbill; her brother, Gary Newbill; her son-in-law, Duane Myers; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.
She is survived by her children, Colette Myers, Larry Simons, and Lisa (Duane) Baker; grandchildren, Lyndee (Brandon) Fogelman, Dustin (Amber) Brink, Stephanie Hughes (Scott), and Brian Baker; great-grandchildren, Grace (Ashton) Zook, Avery Fogelman, Marshall Brink, Brandon, Caleb, and Samuel Hughes; siblings, Jacquiel Gutierrez and her son, and Richard Newbill and his family.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:00 Am at Believers
Fellowship. Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Fogelman, Brian Baker, Duane Baker, Dustin
Brink, Larry Simons, and Ashton Zook. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at
Believers Fellowship or Hospice of the Black Hills.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.