Geraldine “Jeri” Simonton, 94, passed away February 12, 2026. She was born April 29, 1931, in La Crosse, Wisconsin and was adopted by John and Myrtle (Phelps) Westerhouse. She graduated from Onalaska High School in 1949; University of Wisconsin in La Crosse in 1953 and Chadron State College in 1966.

She married Harold ‘Harry” Simonton August 20, 1955. They had two daughters, Spring and Laurie.

Jeri’s teaching career spanned many years. She taught at Houston, Minnesota for two years from 1953-1955; Keenesburg, CO for 1 year from 1955-1956 and Chadron, NE from 1959-1991.

Jeri was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Spring (Marty) Chittim; daughter, Laurie (Mike) Harris; grandchildren, Kayan; Shane (Jess) Harris; great grandson, Kashton Harris and great-grand daughter, Kaelyn Harris.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle and John Westerhouse and her husband, Harry Simonton.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD. Committal service will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron, NE.