Hilda Jane Simmons was born on 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 US and European horse racing circuit. In the 1950's 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, California.

All her life Hilda was a wonderful artist and craftsperson. In her fifties Hilda launched a crafts business and attended shows across the US. Her works have been sold to customers from around the world. In 1983, Bill and Hilda moved to Custer South Dakota where they set up shop at Wild West World and later The Fort.

In her later years she volunteered at the Custer Senior Center, the 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 US 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 was predeceased 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, eleven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.