Emma Lou Dutton

Emma Lou Dutton was born September 7, 1930, on her family farm in Whittemore, Iowa, to Swedish immigrants Harvey and Anna Simpson. She passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025 with family by her side. She grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Algona High School in 1948. Before graduating, she began working as an operator for Bell Telephone, a job she loved.

She married the love of her life, Harold Arthur Dutton, on November 27, 1949. Together they raised four children: Jim, Dick, Chris, and Ann. The family moved from Iowa to Texas in 1954 for Harold’s work in construction and then oilfield operations, eventually settling in Monahans, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

Emma Lou worked various jobs, including helping open Gibson’s Discount Store, an answering service, and later a clerical role at NL Bariod Mud Company until retiring in 1985. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother, proudly supporting her children and grandchildren in school, sports, and life. All four of her children graduated Monahans High School, attended college and started their own families. She was blessed with nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Emma Lou fiercely loved her grandchildren and traveled to cheer them on at school and sporting events as well as attend all their graduations and weddings. Her homemade confections, especially her Christmas candies and cookies, as well as her baby blankets were cherished by all.

A devoted church member and loyal Monahans Lady Lobos fan, Emma Lou gave generously to her community and lived a life full of faith, family, love, and service.

She is reunited in heaven with her husband Harold, parents, and her siblings, Katherine Baulder, Annette Simpson, John Simpson, Richard Simpson, and Mary Simpson. She is survived by her children, Jim and Joye Dutton, Dick and Shelley Dutton, Chris and Melissa Dutton and Ann Moser; her grandchildren, Mechelle and spouse Mike Leake, Jenny and spouse Kevin Douthit, Jeff Dutton and spouse Leah, Jennifer and spouse Buck Smith, Sarah and spouse Aaron Acosta, David Moser, Emily and spouse Vincent Patsy, Charlie Dutton, and Bowen Dutton and spouse Britney. Additionally, she is survived by her great-grandchildren, Megan Dutton, Gavin Douthit, Joslyn Dutton, Mitchell and Irene Fowler, Garrett and Savannah Ince, Quinn Acosta, Samuel Acosta, and Henry Patsy; and her great-great-grandchildren, Alina, Noah and Bennett Fowler, all of whom she loved deeply.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Monahans Memorial Cemetery.

Family, friends, and all who knew Emma Lou well are invited to attend a Celebration of Life reception honoring her memory at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 20, 2025, in the Fellowship Hall at Monahans First Baptist Church.