OTEGO – Ida M. Simmons, 98, passed away peacefully January 15, 2021 at A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta.

She was born November 3, 1922 in Schenevus, the eldest of six children, to Lester S. and Florence M. (Ritchey) Collison.

Ida graduated from Andrew S. Draper Central School in Schenevus in 1940 where she was a proud member of the girls' basketball team.

She married Earl W. Simmons on January 1, 1942 in Oneonta.

During World War II, while her husband Earl served in the military, Ida became a member of the work force.  She worked at the Mica Plant on Chestnut Street and at the Enterprise Aluminum Plant on River Street where she served as recording secretary for their labor union.  She was proud to have held a union card with the International Association of Machinists.   Ida was best known as a waitress for more than 25 years at The Duke Restaurant on Oneida Street.  She took great pride and enjoyed serving her regular customers.  She was a hardworking and determined individual with strong resolve.  As a woman of faith, Ida often said "God will get me through".

In her lifetime, Ida was blessed to have seen 7 generations of her family from her grandparents to great-great-grandchildren.  She was always available for her family at a moment's notice.  She loved cooking, baking, gardening, crocheting and quilting.  She was an avid reader and rarely missed a day doing her crossword puzzles right to the end.  Her hands were always busy.

She was predeceased by her husband, Earl on August 12, 1970, her son, Richard on February 8, 2017 and her grand-daughter, Dyane on April 18, 2016.

She is survived by her children, Earl and wife, Jane Simmons of South Carolina, David and wife, Patty Simmons of Hartwick, Stephen and wife, Kathy Simmons of Florida, Deborah and husband, Brent Scott of Oneonta, daughter-in-law, Lisa Simmons of Otego, 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Ida's family would like to express their deep gratitude to Robynwood Assisted Living in Oneonta for the compassionate care they gave to her over the past nearly three years.

A private family graveside service will be held in the spring at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Otego Emergency Squad, PO Box 467, Otego, NY 13825

Expressions of sympathy may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com .  Arrangements are with Oneonta's only family-owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street.