Dawn Marie Simmons-Orona

Dawn Marie Simmons Orona’s life was taken from her on January 10, 2023.

Dawn grew up with a loving family that gave her the memories of growing up in Germany as an Army brat and once home she lived in Blockton, Iowa before moving to Des Moines where she graduated from Lincoln High School’s class of 1988.

Dawn was always the person that could walk into a room of strangers and leave with life long friends. For the lucky one’s that friendship made you family and there wasn’t anything that Dawn wouldn’t do for you.

Her smile was something that could brighten any room. If you ever saw her with her many pets, family holidays, or at any concert you went to with her you’ve already seen that smile.

Dawn joined her father Roger Simmons, her grandparents, Burl & Dola Simmons, Amanda Wehrkamp, aunts and uncles, Robi & Shelly Simmons, Jim & Judy Arnold, Connie & Bill Weller, and her very dear friend, Hector Ortega in heaven.

Dawn is survived by her mother, Carol Simmons; sister, Misty (Brian) Wickett; aunts and uncles, Larry & Elane Arnold and Gina Schuster; step-daughters, Rachel and Vanessa; cousins, Laura (Jason) Hamilton, Tiffany (Ryan) Larson, Leann (Michael) Coltyn, Ava and Ella Latus, Terri Sue (Bobby) Stull, Tami (Dennis) Pasley, Bill (Tisha) Weller, Matthew (Erica) Weller, Mike (Diane) Wise, Robbie Simmons, Jeff Arnold and Chad Arnold; and lifelong friends, Renee Christensen, Michele Mills and Kristy Mills.

There will be a celebration of life for Dawn on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 8005 Ridgeview Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50320.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial contributions be made in Dawn’s name to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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