Bernita Simmons

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.