Carolyn Mae Simmons

While mourning our loss as a family, we announce the passing of Carolyn Mae Simmons, 93. Carolyn passed away peacefully June 17, 2026 at Morningstar Senior Living in Boise, Idaho. She was born May 27, 1933 in Litchfield, Minnesota the daughter of Clifford and Elva Mattson of Willmar, Minnesota.

Carolyn was an adventurous soul—especially for a woman of her generation. Immediately following her graduation from high school in Minnesota, she moved to San Francisco, California where she met and in September of 1953 married the love of her life James L. “Jim” Simmons. After leaving California they lived for several years in Twisp, Washington until employment at Ellingson Lumber Company took Jim, Carolyn and their young family to Baker City, Oregon in 1970 where she resided until 2024, at which time she moved to Boise, Idaho to be closer to family.

Carolyn was a warm and outgoing woman who touched the lives of all who knew her. She enjoyed traveling with Jim to see family and watch her grandchildren participate in various activities. Carolyn worked as an administrative assistant for numerous local businesses and for North Baker elementary school and Baker Senior High while always greeting everyone with her smile. In her spare time, she volunteered at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, the Leo Adler House and was a longtime member of PEO.

Carolyn was a member of several bridge groups and enjoyed playing golf and bowling. She was an accomplished seamstress, a skill she learned from her mother and passed on to her daughter. She enjoyed hosting family and social gatherings, and her selflessness, affection and kindness will be remembered by everyone who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by Jim, her husband of 61 years; her brothers Doug Mattson and Jerome “Jerry” Mattson.

Carolyn was a loving mother and is survived by her three children, Steven (Judy) Simmons, of Troutdale, Oregon; David (Ronda) Simmons of Eagle, Idaho; and Ann (Paul) Phillips, of Gillette, Wyoming. She was a cherished and involved grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren, Katie (Josiah) Nelson of Missoula, Montana; Hannah (David Smith) Phillips of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Derek (Andrea) Simmons, of Meridian, Idaho; and Abigail (Aaron) Barber, of Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as six great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done.” Proverb 31:31

Cremation will be followed by a private family internment at Mount Hope Cemetery in Baker City, Oregon. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.