Ila M. (Richards) Simon, Pierson, age 90, passed away on February 20th , 2026. She was born on January 16, 1936, in rural Sheridan County, Kansas, to Harry and Hazel (Mace) Richards.
She attended grade school in the country and then graduated Hoxie High School in the class of 1953. Ila and Dwayne Simon were married December 21st of 1952. To this union five children were born: Curtis, Melanie, David and two who died in infancy. Life on the farm was busy with cattle, hogs, chickens, and crops. Ila was aloving mother, and she made many sacrifices and cared greatly for her family. Like her mother she was a superb cook and gardener. She loved having flowers in the yard, raised strawberries and a large garden. She was particularly good at tending her houseplants. Petunias, iris, and sunflowers were some of her favorite flowers outside. She made jelly, canned different garden vegetables and fruits which her family enjoyed. Pickles of several varieties were a specialty. The kids and grandkids knew her to be the cream pie queen—requesting her chocolate and coconut cream pies often. Browniesand cool whip were favorites as well. Her mashed potatoes were always the creamiest. She played piano and loved singing all her life. She married John Pierson in 1975. Going with him in the semi-truck she saw parts of the country she had not seen previously.
Ila was employed in different places over the years: working at Sheridan County Hospital, cooking at several restaurants, caring for elderly in their homes, and just before retiring managing the Quinter Senior Center where she was known for her dedication and warm spirit. A member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ is the hallmark of her life as she battled life’s challenges.
She is survived by her children: Curtis Simon and wife Deb of Quinter, Kansas; Melanie Cooper and husband Kevin of Hoxie, Kansas; and David Simon and wife Leah of Princeville, Hawaii. Her grandchildren are Stephen Simon (Sarah), Becky Bruna (Lance), Jaime May (Steve), Jesse Cooper (Sydney), Justin Cooper (Lindsay), and Qing Xia Simon. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Taylor Koch (Hunter), Madison Bruna, Oliver Simon, Autumn Simon, Derrick McMillan, Colton McMillan, Hannah McMillan, Tatum Cooper, Micah Cooper, Kayden Cooper, and Kolby Cooper.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Hazel Richards; infant children Dwayna and Danny Simon; brothers, Harold and Dean Richards; and sister Alta Gaede.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:30 am at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Studley, KS. Visitation will be Friday, February 27, 2026, from 2:00 p.m., with family receiving friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to Sheridan County Long Term Care and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 986, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.