Dola Irene Simpson departed this life in Manor Care Health Services, Springfield, Mo., on January 24, 2008, at the age of 88, after a lengthy struggle with illness.

Dola was born November 5, 1919, in Harveyville, Kan., and grew up on farms in the area with her parents and her sisters, Dorothy and Doris.

On December 26, 1941, she was married to Joseph E. Simpson. They spent their first four years of marriage apart as Joe served in Europe in World War II. In 1952, "GI Joe and Dola" settled in Overland Park, Kan., where their only child was born a year later and where they lived for 26 years. For the next six years, they enjoyed retirement in their home on the Pomme de Terre River near Hermitage.

They have lived in Springfield since 1984. Dola was a member of Brentwood Christian Church.

Dola lived her life with selfless devotion to her family and friends and with great humility, never seeking anything for herself. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, and treasured her special friendships.

As a child, Dola learned to play the piano both by ear and by reading music, a talent she shared often with her family and friends and as a church pianist and organist. Dola's life and her values embody a generation that helped to make our country great even through the hard times and challenges they endured.

Dola was preceded in death by her parents and sisters. She is survived by her husband Joe; son Don and daughter-in-law Olivia; grandsons Matthew and Bryan, and granddaughter-in-law Teresa, all of Springfield.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, in Brentwood Christian Church, 1900 E. Barataria. The family suggests contributions to the church in lieu of flowers.