Zelda Ruth Snell Gerullis was born April 7, 1918 in St. Jacob, Illinois, and passed away on March 6, 2020 in DeSoto, MO. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Fred Gerullis to whom she was married for over 41 years at the time of his passing on April 4, 1981.
As a result of the Depression, Zelda moved to St. Louis with her family when she was 12 years old.
While attending McKinley High School, she was on the “Nugget” yearbook staff and designed the 1935 cover. After graduating in 1936 she attended Sue Bennett College in London, Kentucky on scholarship. She was forced to delay additional education beyond these 2 years until a later time. She ultimately finished her degree and began teaching first grade, initially in the Hancock Place School District (1961-69) and then in the Mehlville School District (1969-1980). At the conclusions of the 1979-80 school year, Zelda received the Quality Teacher of the Year Award for Washington Elementary School. She taught for a total of 19 years before retiring in 1980.
Zelda and Fred had 3 children together, Fred Wayne (Anita Priest), Muriel (William Prelli) and Suzanne (Larry Graden). There are also 10 grandchildren (9 surviving), 24 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren who loved Zelda very much.
In lieu of flowers, Zelda has requested that memorials be made to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Summer Cafe Program.
Visitation Friday March 13, 2020 from 4-8 pm at the Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home 1081 Jeffco Blvd. Arnold, MO. 63010. Funeral service will celebrated on Saturday March 14, 2020, 10:00 am at the St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 2761 Telegraph Rd. Lemay, Mo 63125 with visitation at the church Saturday 9:00 am until time of service. Interment Park Lawn Cemetery.
