Orma Jean (Shaw) Zimmer

Feb. 15, 1930-Aug. 18, 2011

Age: 81

Residence: Greeley

Orma Jean (Shaw) Zimmer, 81, of Greeley, Colo., died Aug. 18, 2011, at Fairacres Manor. Orma was born on Feb. 15, 1930, to Margaret Elizabeth (Hartsook) and Leslie Carter Shaw of Colchester, Ill. Music was an important part of their family, and Orma’s trombone talent earned her many awards and solo opportunities with her high school and city bands.

In 1949, Orma moved to Rochelle, Ill., where she worked for Western Union and then Del Monte. It was during this time that she met Lloyd Zimmer, and on Aug. 1, 1951, they married. Over the next 30 years, Orma and Lloyd farmed, raised their family and entertained in the Rochelle and surrounding communities with their musical talents. Orma was best known as a featured vocalist in Lloyd’s dance and Dixieland bands. In honor of the musical contributions made by Orma and Lloyd, the Rochelle Lions Club installed and dedicated a granite, inscribed bench in 2009 at the park where the Zimmers performed at Rochelle’s Heritage Days Festival.

In addition to singing, Orma enjoyed cooking. Across the years, she demonstrated her culinary skills in a number of settings — much to the delight of both her family and local patrons.

The Zimmers moved to Greeley, Colo., in 1985, where they eventually owned and operated their own successful crop insurance agency. Also, until Lloyd’s death in 2005, Orma and Lloyd played their music at retirement centers and nursing homes throughout the area. Orma was never happier than when she was performing with her husband.

Orma is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret E. and Leslie C. Shaw; and her husband, Lloyd H. Zimmer. She is survived by a sister, Maurine Bryan of Nebraska; four children, Elizabeth (David) Castenson of Virginia, Margaret (Roger Brindisi) Dempsey of Colorado, Walter (Kris) Zimmer of Illinois, and Catherine (Kevin) Castle of Colorado; and five grandchildren, Nick, Haley and Hayden Zimmer of Illinois, and Christian and Sarah Castle of Colorado.

Visitation will be held 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at Stoddard Funeral Home. Funeral service to follow visitation. Interment Sunset Memorial Gardens.