Melba Simmons, 86, of Lebanon, was born Oct. 21, 1937, in Wright County to John V. Jones and Audra Snow Jones, and died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Independence. She is survived by two sons, Don Andrews of Grovespring and Jim Andrews and his wife Bea of San Antonio, Texas; three daughters, Lois Payne of Grovespring, Linda Payne and husband John of Lebanon, and Inetta Davis and husband Dale of Grovespring; 125 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. Burial will be in McBride Cemetery under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. Memorials have been established to The Pregnancy Center or The COPE House. Donations can be let at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, 1001 N. Lynn or P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.
