Hilda Simmons

Hilda Jane Simmons was born March 2, 1926, in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada, to Earl and Dora Estabrooks. At a young age her family moved to New England where she attended school at Pinkerton Academy in Derry New Hampshire and later New Hampshire State College where she majored in Chemistry and Art.
In 1945 she married Lloyd “Bud” Neall and began a glorious life as horse trainers on the U.S. and European horse racing circuit.
In the 1950s children Gwynne, Wayne and Cynthia were born in Southern California. This marriage dissolved and Hilda met and married William (Bill) E. Simmons. He brought to this marriage two sons, William (Bill) and John. To this union Rhonda was born in 1966 in Claremont, Calif.
All her life Hilda was a wonderful artist and craftsperson. In her 50s Hilda launched a crafts business and attended shows across the U.S. Her works have been sold to customers from around the world.
In 1983, Bill and Hilda moved to Custer, S.D., where they set up shop at Wild West World and later The Fort.
In her later years she volunteered at Custer Senior Center, Custer County Historical Society, was a member of the Red Hat Club and became a member of the Mile High Garden Club where she was an honorary master gardener. Gardening was her passion and her gardens are a wonderful thing to behold. She also cared deeply for animals and took on the role of neighborhood cat lady.
For many years Hilda tried to become a U.S. citizen and finally succeeded in 2019. It was a shining moment in her life and allowed her to vote in the 2020 election. She was a proud Democrat and was extremely pleased with the results.
Hilda loved her large family most of all and when teased “Look at what you started” her eyes would light up and she would just nod, chuckle and smile.
 Hilda died June 6, 2021. She was 95.
Hilda was preceded in death by her parents; brother and sisters; husband Bill Simmons; and son Wayne Neall.
She is survived by daughters Gwynne (Bill) McClellan, Cynthia Neall, and Rhonda (John) Anderson; stepsons William (Mary) Simmons and John (Lynn) Simmons;  six grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain-McColley’s Funeral Home