Leah Elizabeth "Beth" Hankins, 32, passed away due to a vehicle collision on October 25, 2016, close to the Simmons farm in Butte County on the eve of her wedding.

She was born August 23, 1984, in Chattanooga, TN, to Mildred Elizabeth Lafever (Russel Eugene Maxwell JR) of Lakewood, CO, and James Hankins (Kathy Moore) of Tennessee. She was raised in Hixson and Ooltewah, TN. Leah was a firefighter for the Nisland/Arpan Fire Department.

She leaves behind her would be husband, Jaymes Simmons of Nisland SD. She also leaves behind 4 wonderful children: a daughter, Onica Aria Maxwell; her sons, Karsten and Caleb "Paul" Hilyard; and stepson, Andrew Simmons; her brother, James Lafever (Sherri Bollard) of Littleton, CO; her sister, Monica Hankins of South Carolina; grandmother, Mary Hankins; and grandparents, James F. and Sue Nichols, all of Tennessee.

At 19, Leah followed in her brother's footsteps and moved to Colorado, knowing something was tugging at her from the north. In 2006, she followed her heart and moved to Wyoming, where she not only was blessed with 2 beautiful sons, but later met the love of her life, Jay. They had a spark that was undeniable and never doubted that they were meant for each other. They later decided to move to South Dakota and start their dream company. Leah's true passion was horses, and owned many different kinds of pets. She would rather drive her pickup, go camping, go riding, and get dirty over shopping any day of the week. If you asked her who "her team" was, she would answer the Cowboys without skipping a beat. Though she loved the outdoors, Leah loved crocheting. She was very passionate about music and had a large playlist full of many different styles but she was the biggest fan of The Backstreet Boys.

Leah was the most sincere, kind, loving friend and lover anyone could ask for. She not only had a smile that would pierce into your soul but she also could find the good in any situation. Her outgoing personality would make even a stranger comfortable in her presence. She will be missed by many who thought of her as a strong, funny, independent and secure woman who knew exactly what she wanted out of life. She would never give up and had a "do whatever it takes" kind of attitude. Most who met her would form a lifelong bond that only grew with time.

Leah was preceded in death by her grandfather, Landel Hankins and another father figure Paul LaFever.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 1, 2016, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Doug Clark officiating.

A pot luck will follow services at the VFW hall in Sturgis. If you would like to bring a dish please feel free.

A memorial has been established to the Nisland / Arpan Fire Department.

Click on link to view service folder