Grace Elaine Dalbey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Grace Elaine (Laney) Dalbey, who passed away on December 19, 2021, at her home in Datil, New Mexico. Laney was born on June 25, 1961, in Yuma, Arizona to Darrell and Betty Simmons. She graduated from East High School in Rockford, Illinois and graduated from AIBT Technical Institute in Phoenix, Arizona with a degree in Medical Billing and Coding.  Laney resided in Rockford, Illinois for a big part of her life, then moved back to be with her family in Arizona in 1992.  She was a dedicated employee of Dr’s. Johnston and Sirounian for many years, working as a Medical Billing Specialist and Front Office Manager.  For the last 10 years, Laney lived in Datil, New Mexico with her husband, Brett, where she was an active member of the Datil Christian Cowboy Church.  She started her own cleaning service, which turned out to be the most rewarding job she ever had.  Laney gained so many wonderful relationships within her community, which she boasted about every time someone talked to her.  She loved to help and care for others and tried to make everyone she encountered feel special in the most genuine ways. 

Laney will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, Nene (grandmother,) sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend.  She touched the lives of so many and will forever be missed.

Laney is survived by her husband of 24 years, Brett Dalbey; Daughter: Heather Dunchus (and her spouse James); Son: Brandon Whitaker; Grandchildren: Breanna McDougall (and her spouse Ryan,) Ashley Dunchus and Austin Dunchus; Sisters: Deborah Carlson (and her spouse Wade,) Charlotte Scott (and her spouse Pat); Brothers: Mike Simmons (and his spouse Janice,) Scott Simmons (and his spouse Denise,) Harold ‘Jumper’ Simmons (and his spouse Mary); Brother-in-law: Damon Dalbey (and his spouse Stacey); Parents-in-law: Dave and Marty Dalbey; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Laney is preceded in death by her Parents: Darrell and Betty Simmons; Sister: Linda Fairfield; and Grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. George Simmons and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Chandler.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Datil Christian Cowboy Church, which is located at Hwy 12, Datil, New Mexico, 87821. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Datil Christian Cowboy Church.