Nelda Jean (Harms) Simonsen was born in Brady, TX on April 19, 1932, to Rev. Oliver R. Harms and Bertha Serrien Harms. She was the second of three children. The family moved to Houston where Nelda attended Reagan High School and later the Lillie Jollie School of Nursing.

Nelda married Winston J. "Sy" Simonsen in Houston in 1953. They welcomed six children, whom Nelda cherished. Time spent with the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, was second only to the time she spent with her beloved Winston and her precious Lord Jesus.

Nelda was a lifelong student and spent much of her time studying God's word. She was active for many years as a leader in Bible Study Fellowship, as well as a Bible study leader at Trinity Lutheran Church in Houston. After moving to Fredericksburg, TX in 1990, she and Sy joined Bethany Lutheran Church where she continued to lead Bible studies, even holding some in her own home over the lunch hour for working women. While many people benefited from her love and wisdom, she always gave the glory to God. Nelda taught her children and grandchildren to love the Lord and give glory to Him in all they do.

Nelda went to be with her Lord on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at the age of 84 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as Sy, who passed in 2013 after they celebrated 60 years of marriage. She is survived by their children Linda Simonsen of Fredericksburg, Steve  and Jill Simonsen of Montgomery, Lesli and Brent Carr of Fort Worth, Sally and Al Retzloff of Argyle, Gregory Simonsen and David Andrew of Dallas, and Deanna and Case Fischer of Fredericksburg; as well as sister Nadine Miller of Birmingham, AL and brother Ron  Harms and wife Marlene of Aransas Pass, TX. Nelda is also survived by 14 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers, all grandsons are: Edward Carr, Brent Carr, Jr., Hunter Simonsen, Tyler Simonsen, Samuel Retzloff, Dietz Fischer, Connor Simonsen and Simon Fischer.

Honorary Pallbearers are granddaughters: Alison Viktorin, Jenna Bledsoe, Aden Roueloux, Katie Rae, Madeline Simonsen, Elle Fischer.

Funeral services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, Texas, on Thursday, April 13, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Fredericksburg. Visitation will be at Fredericksburg Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church.