Leila Marie Simmons

Leila Marie Simmons, aged 90 years old, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025, following a lengthy illness.

Leila was born in Mooreland, Oklahoma and lived in Amarillo for more than 30 years. She was the daughter of the late Oral and Doris (Powders) Day. Leila enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and holidays with her family. She also enjoyed her time with the Amarillo Senior Citizens Association, visiting casinos, and “betting on the ponies.” She worked for Santa Fe Railroad for a number of years.

In addition to her parents, Leila was preceded in death by her husband, John Simmons; children: Cathy Hendricks, Deanna Shirley, and Ricky Sander; her former husband, Dwight Sander; and her brother, Larry Day. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Larry) Smith of Amarillo; daughter-in-law, Kristi Sander of Amarillo; step-son, Brent (Lisa) Simmons of Washington state; step-daughter, Krista (Harvey) Freeman of Wichita Falls, Texas; sister-in-law, Glenda Roberts; seventeen grandchildren, many loving great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

The graveside service honoring Leila’s life will be 11:00 AM, Saturday May 17 at Llano Cemetery, 2900 South Hayes Street, Amarillo with Pastor Scott Hampton officiating. Leila’s family will receive friends 6-8 PM, Friday May 16 at Rector Funeral Home, 2800 South Osage Street, Amarillo.

Memorial contributions may be made to Amarillo Senior Citizens, PO Box 30424, Amarillo, Texas 79120 or at www.amarilloseniorcitizens.com/donations.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.rectorfuneralhome.com.