Bernita Simmons, 84, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026. Mass: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026, with a visitation held one hour prior to service, St. Matthew Catholic Church. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, is caring for Bernita and her family.
Bernita Lou was born February 19, 1941, in Waukon, Iowa, the daughter of Cyril and Mary (Kilpatrick) Howes.
Bernita is survived by her sons, Kirk Simmons and Kyle Simmons; grandson, Riley Simmons; sister, Marie Schwartzhosf; and nieces and nephews.
Bernita was preceded in death by her son, Kevin; husband, James; parents; Cyril (Mary) Howes; and brother-in-law, Dale Schwartzhosf.
Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Bernita’s obituary page and share your support and memories with her family at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
Services
Visitation:
Thursday, February 19, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
St. Matthew Catholic Church
2310 1st Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8269
Funeral Mass:
Thursday, February 19, 2026
11:00 am
St. Matthew Catholic Church
2310 1st Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8269
Burial: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
375 32nd St. Dr. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
319-362-4659









Bernie and I met at St. Matt\’s so many years ago. Our main entertainment was church, laughter and margaritas!! My sympathy to Kurt and Kyle, and Riley. She loved you three so much, now it\’s up to you three to be there for each other. My sympathy to Marie and her family. She just loved spending time with you guys. It’s always a party with Marie she would say. Doubt she realized how much everyone loved her. She was a beautiful lady inside and out!! I will miss her!!
To Bernie, Thanks for all the friendship – all those special moments of caring and light heartedness. We will always remember the warmth and laughter, as well as those special times of prayer. We will remember the compassion and sincerity of your welcoming smile. It always seemed to say,” Hi, I’m so glad to see you”. Bernie taught us patience,calm, forgiveness and acceptance. She always made us feel special and she was special to us. To Kirk, Kyle, Riley, Marie and to all other family members, we are grateful. 4 PM mass was always special time to greet Bernie with her faithfulness to attend mass and pray the rosary. We often extended our time of friendship and fun after Mass. Bernie gave much meaning to “friendship”. She was always present to care and support. She never expressed needs or judgement. We keep a card she once sent. She was telling us to remain faithful and grateful and maintain that sense of humor. The card says “Ever get the feeling your guardian angel went out for coffee and lost track of time?”. Rest in peace special friend.