Iris Lorraine Nelson Simmons, BHS 1945?

Iris Lorraine Nelson Simmons, 91, of Lebanon died Sunday at her home.

Feb 3, 1925 - March 13, 2016

Iris was born in San Francisco, California, to Herman Ira and Mattie Merle (Tipps) Nelson. She was raised in Burbank, California, where she attended Burbank High School.  She met her soul mate and the love of her life, Robert Simmons, and married him in Salome, Arizona, on March 8, 1945. They lived in Garden Grove, California, where they raised their two daughters. Iris later attended California State College, Long Beach where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Vocational Education. She went on to become the head of the department of cosmetology at Fullerton College. She was also awarded the Vocational Teacher of the Year Award for the State of California in 1974. She exceeded in everything she attempted. After retirement she and her husband moved to Lebanon in 1978.

She had numerous hobbies, such as reading, china painting, oil painting, watercolor, sewing, knitting, gardening, and cooking, all of which she made look easy, which is the case with gifted people! Iris belonged to the Pineway Women’s Golf Club and golfed until she was in her 80s. She also belonged to the Women Elks and the Eastern Star.

Her parents and husband preceded her in death.

She is survived by her brother, Don Nelson of South Beach; two daughters, Lorrie Gulaskey and Kathie Houdek, both of Lebanon; and three grandchildren, Gregg Gulaskey of Corvallis, Jamie Stinson of Lebanon and Rob Houdek, also of Lebanon. She had five great-grandchildren, Samone Stinson of Philomath, Amber Fortson of Portland, Jasmine Stinson of Salem, Kyler Gulaskey of Albany and Carson Fortson of Lebanon.

A viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. Burial will be at Providence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Auxiliary or a charity of choice and sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.