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Iona Jeanne Simatovich, a woman of unwavering love and incredible strength, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Kavanaugh House in Des Moines, Iowa. She was 75 years old.
Born on June 24, 1949, in Chariton, Iowa, Iona was the cherished daughter of John Walter and Gwyneth Iona (Miller) Showers. She grew up in Chariton, Lucas and Centerville, Iowa and graduated from Centerville High School. On December 26, 1971, she married the love of her life, Clarence Edward Simatovich, in Centerville, Iowa. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and partnership.
Iona worked at the Maytag Company for a time before dedicating herself as a stay-at-home mother. Later, she reentered the workforce, finding fulfillment in helping children as a paraprofessional for Newton Schools. Her nurturing spirit and gentle guidance left a lasting impact on many young lives.
A woman of many passions, Iona found joy in bowling, visiting casinos, watching NASCAR, and her lifelong admiration for Elvis Presley. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family. Her great-grandson, River, who affectionately called her “Nana Oni,” brought her endless happiness. She was a source of warmth, comfort, and boundless love to those fortunate enough to know her.
Iona was a fighter, facing cancer with incredible resilience for two years. She held on with unwavering determination, ensuring she could be there for her loved ones for as long as possible. Her strength and courage were an inspiration to all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her beloved sisters, Janet Dunham and Judy Belzer. Those left to honor her memory include her devoted daughter, Stephanie (Tonya) Simatovich; her cherished granddaughter, Natalie Coates; and her adored great-grandson, River Jade Jones.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Pence Reese Funeral Home in Newton. A Facebook Live Broadcast will begin at 12:30 p.m. on the funeral home’s Facebook page. The family will greet friends from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday.
Memorial contributions in Iona’s honor may be designated to Mothers Against Drunk Driving and can be left at the funeral home.
Though she is no longer physically with us, Iona’s love, strength, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.