Eleanor Hunt (Foreman) Simonton went home to be with the Lord on January 1, 2026, at the age of 97. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm at Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory. Following the visitation, a short service will be held in the chapel at Ankeny Funeral Home.
Eleanor was born on April 29, 1928, in Coles County, Illinois, to George and Freda Foreman. She attended school in Charleston, Illinois, and prior to her marriage worked briefly at a drycleaner in Charleston.
On September 18, 1947, Eleanor was united in marriage to Merle Simonton in her parents’ home. Together they shared a deep love for farm life, which became their true passion. Throughout their married years, they farmed in both Illinois and Iowa. Farming led them to live in several places, including Illinois, Iowa, Florida, North Carolina, and eventually back to Iowa to be closer to family. Along the way, they saw much of the country and built a life rooted in hard work and devotion.
Eleanor was active wherever she lived, often joining groups within her condo associations simply to lend a helping hand and serve others.
She is survived by her children, Mike (Susan) Simonton of Mount Ayr and Donna (Ron) Thomas of West Des Moines; one grandson and one granddaughter; five great-grandsons and five great-granddaughters; four great-great-grandsons; and three great-great-granddaughters.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle; her parents; her siblings, Richard Foreman, Eloise Piacentine, and Mary Ann Foreman; and her grandson, Tony.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
