Rilla Joyce (McBee) Simmons, 72, of Richmond, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Liberty Hospital from complications with COVID-19. Part of her family were there, with her, and the others joined her virtually by phone.

Rilla was born on May 23, 1948, in Lamar, CO. She was the only child of Roger Daniel McBee and Zelma Virginia (King) McBee.  She was united in marriage to Robert William "Bob" Simmons of Longmont, CO, on May 28, 1967. He survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: two sons, Daniel and Teri (Becker) Simmons of Olathe, KS, and David and Tammy Jo (Hilker) Simmons of Kearney; six grandchildren: Kayla (Colin) Vaughan, Dalton W. J. Lightner, Kristen (Matt) Lynch, Kelsea (Zach Brendle) Ealey, Lauren Simmons, and Jillian Simmons; two great-grandchildren, Jackson Brendle, Charlee Jo Lynch, and two on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter-in-law.

Rilla grew up in Lamar, CO and moved to Cotton Creek Farm in Richmond when she was young. She attended school in Richmond and afterwards went on to Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO.  After college, she substitute taught in local schools. Rilla was a successful business owner of The Farmer's Daughter Antiques and, co-owner of Simmons and Company Auctioneers. Rilla was a founding member of The Hardware Companies Kollectors Klub and was also a professional antique estimator. She helped establish the Cotton Creek Cowboy Chapel and Cotton Creek Christian Ministries. Rilla was an amazing woman as a wife, mom, grandma, aunt, friend and local, community service activist.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Cotton Creek Christian Ministries.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

A Celebration of Life Service and visitation will be held at the American Legion / Ray County Veterans Building on Saturday, February 6, 2021 with visitation from 11:00 am with celebration of life to start at 1:00 pm.  Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.  Please remember to share your memories of Rilla with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .