Seena Kay Simmons (Ballard), 86, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026. She was born on November 29, 1939, in Rolla, Missouri, to William Ballard and Thelma Ballard (Duncan).

Seena graduated from Parkview High School in 1957 and later attended Southwest Missouri State University. In 1961, she married the love of her life, Paul Edward Simmons, with whom she shared a life filled with family, friendship, and countless memories.

Seena was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Paul; her parents, William and Thelma Ballard; her beloved grandfather and grandmother, William Andrew and Sarah Ellen Duncan; her dear sister, Billie (Jay) Kinser; brother-in-law, Donald Potter; and her cherished grandson, Connor Mahurin, whom she had a special bond with and loved deeply.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathie (Kevin) Mahurin and Julie (Paul) Tyler; her special grandchildren, Aaron (Jenny) Mahurin, Jackson Tyler, and Seena Tyler; her precious great-grandchildren, Macklin and Lucy Mahurin; her oldest dear sister, Joanne Potter; nieces, Teri Mills (Kinser) and Seena Marie Yager(Potter); nephews, Jay Kinser and Dan Potter; her granddaughter-in-law, Shea Mahurin; along with many extended family members, friends, nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

Seena poured her heart into being a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She also worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Production Credit Association. But her greatest work was the life she built around the people she loved. She was a caregiver by nature, always ready to help, listen, and give support.  The love and happiness she felt when around her loved ones sparkled in her beautiful blue eyes—eyes people commented on throughout her entire life, even into her later years.

Seena was, without question, one of the best cooks. Her kitchen was a place where family traditions were made, and she loved bringing people together through the delicious meals she prepared. Her paper bag apple pie, cinnamon rolls made from leftover mashed potatoes, hushpuppies, skillet-fried chicken, potato salad, and cobblers became treasured family favorites. She passed down handwritten cookbooks and family recipes, ensuring that the love she poured into every meal would continue through generations.

Seena also had a special talent for quilting and hand embroidery. She created beautiful baby quilts and Christmas stockings for her grandchildren, great-nieces, and great-nephews—handmade treasures that became a lasting reminder of her love, thoughtfulness, and dedication to her family.

Seena made family holidays a priority. She couldn't wait until everyone could come together. Special meals made from scratch, traditions, laughter, making memories, and plenty of love was her goal. She even created her own trivia games for family Christmas gatherings. When she made chicken, she insisted that the wishbone must be pulled. These little traditions became the memories her family will carry with them forever.

Some of Seena's happiest memories were tied to the places and people she loved most. Her grandmother Sarah Duncan's home in Edgar Springs, Missouri, where she, her 2 sisters, and mother spent many years during her childhood while her dad was serving in WWII, held a special place in her heart. She also treasured the tradition of her and her 2 sisters, Billie and Joanne, along with all of their children, gathering at her parent's home in Springfield, MO for 2 weeks every summer—a time of togetherness that became an important part of her family's history.

Seena loved people, and people loved Seena. She enjoyed going out to eat with friends, taking trips, sharing monthly dinners, shopping, and—perhaps most of all—giving. She was extraordinarily generous and took great pleasure in finding the perfect gift for the special people in her life. She also loved to dance. Seena and Paul especially enjoyed dancing the jitterbug to numerous Elvis Presley songs and some of their other favorites for hours together . She had a youthful, energetic spirit and a joy that was contagious. You simply couldn't spend time with Seena without being happier for it.  She treasured the friendships and special times she shared with Kenny and MaryLou Long, Dwayne and Bonnie Miles, June Lovan, Kem Schweider, among many others.

Seena was a longtime member of Steeleville First Baptist Church and was involved in the AIM High Club for many years. She also served as president of the Steeleville Cemetery and established the Paul E. Simmons Scholarship Fund, creating a lasting way to support others in Paul's memory.

Seena's greatest legacy is the love she gave to others. She showed her family the importance of kindness, generosity, and creating meaningful connections. She will be deeply missed, but the impact she had on those around her will continue through the many lives she touched.

A graveside inurnment service was held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Steelville Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Paul E. Simmons Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Simmons Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.