Eileen Susanne Simmons

BURLEY – Eileen Susanne Simmons (April 7, 1956 – February 17, 2018) passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family after a valiant battle against cancer and the many complications that came with it over the last 18 months of her life. She was born in Rupert, Idaho to Thomas and Ella Mackley. She spent her life in the Mini-Cassia area where she attended school and worked throughout her life. She loved driving school bus for Cassia County School District as a full-time substitute driver. She graduated from BYU-I with a degree in genealogy in April of 2016, which she accomplished while working full time. She loved doing genealogy work for her own family as well as helping others with their searches. She spent many hours as a volunteer at the Family History Center in Burley and she also served a mission in genealogy after her cancer diagnosis.

Eileen was preceded in death by one granddaughter (Marissa LaMae Knight [2006]); her parents (Thomas James Mackley [2009] and Ella Maryanne McKenzie [2013]); and two spouses (Jack Garland Smith Jr. [1975] and Joseph Newel Knight [1996]). She is survived by many friends and family members including eight children and 27 grandchildren, who loved and respected her greatly. She never made anyone feel like they were interfering whenever they needed to talk to someone.

The funeral will be held at 12 Noon Wednesday, February 21, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, with Bishop Rob Oakes officiating. The funeral attire will be casual. Burial will follow at the Pella Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, and from 11 until 11:45 a.m. Wednesday preceding the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Patient and Family Housing in Salt Lake City, Utah in her name.