Delora Sims, 74, of Madison, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, June 22, 2026. Funeral services will begin at 10:00am on Friday, June 26 at West Center Baptist Church in Madison. A luncheon will be held after at the St. Thomas School Gym, followed by burial at 1:00pm at Sun Prairie Baptist Cemetery, rural Salem. Visitation with family present will be held on Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00pm at Kinzley Funeral Home in Madison.
Delora Selma Sims was born on March 4, 1952, in Sioux Falls, SD to Dale and Pearl Edythe (Palmquist) Johnson. She attended Canova High School and graduated from Sioux Falls College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. On Sunday, August 12, 1973, Delora married the love of her life Douglas Sims at Sun Prairie Baptist Church in Salem, SD. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and hospitality.
Delora devoted 38 years to teaching and inspiring young minds. She began her career in Montrose, then at St. Thomas School, and finished as an elementary teacher for the Madison Central School District. She loved her students and seeing the “light bulb” come on when something clicked. She often said she learned as much from her students as they did from her.
Music was an important part of Delora’s life. She played piano and was an excellent alto who could harmonize with anyone. She utilized her natural ear for harmony and helped her children develop theirs as well. She spent countless hours driving her children to violin lessons, practicing with them, and helping her children develop as musicians. Delora never sought the spotlight in any of these efforts; her selfless nature kept the focus always on others.
Delora dedicated her life to the 4 Fs: faith, family, friends and fun. A devoted member of West Center Baptist Church, she faithfully served as a worship team member, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School volunteer, high school youth leader, and provided many meals. Her servant’s heart touched countless lives within her church family and community.
She enjoyed singing with the Madison Master Singers and cherished time spent with the Mexican Train Dominoes ladies and the Grandma Coffee Girls. Delora was always up for an adventure and ready to go, one of her favorites was a family hike up Black Elk Peak (Harney Peak). She and Doug loved hosting many friends and family, believing that strangers were simply friends they had not yet met, and there was always room for one more at their table. Many will fondly remember Delora for her warm hospitality, her Swedish pancakes, her homemade stuffing, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved.
They enjoyed traveling, which they did often to all 8 grandchildren’s activities as well as visiting many friends, relatives, and appreciating God’s beautiful creation.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Douglas Sims; daughter, Teresa (Kelly) Conrad of Brookings and their children, Thomas, Isaac, Samuel, and William; and her son, Steven (Camelyn) Sims of Madison and their children, Eleni (fiancé John Jorenby), Elijah, Ethan, and Silas; brother, Roger (Teresa) Johnson, and brothers-in-law, Warren Schmidtmann, Larry (Deb) Sims, Tom (Evonne) Sims, and Bob (Jan) Sims; as well as many special cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Delora was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Anna Gale Schmidtmann; infant sister, Louis; and parents-in-law, George and Barb Sims. http://www.kinzleyfh.com
