Cleda Lee Burleson Van Zandt

Cleda Van Zandt, 82, of Austin passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 25, 2007. She was born on October 6, 1924 in Booneville, Arkansas to Wesley and Vivian Hickerson Burleson. Cleda grew up on a Texas ranch, riding her horse, Queenie. When her family moved to Rankin, Texas, Cleda attended school and graduated Valedictorian of her class. She later graduated from the University of Texas, learned to fly planes, and began a career in business. She was talented in many areas and adventurous. Serendipity entered her life when she encountered her childhood friend, Earl Van Zandt, in Austin on his 30-day leave from the Navy-Marine unit just after the war. After a brief courtship, they were married on June 1, 1946 and began a new life together which endured for more than 60 years. Cleda was a world traveler and loved seeing places with friends and family. She will be remembered as a bright spirit and a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. She was much loved and will be sorely missed. Cleda was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Wanda Yocham. She is survived by her loving husband, Earl Van Zandt, and their children: Linda Turner and husband Billie and their children Bill and Kelly; Brena Benjamin and husband Tom and their children Paul and Jane;and Wesley "Butch" Van Zandt and his children Katie and Charlie. She is also survived by numerous other family and friends. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 28, with Services to follow at 10:00 am., Pastor Karl A. Gronberg officiating, Weed Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com