Jonnie & Steve, I received this email today regarding Zelma's remembrance page closing. I am still interested in pictures and VHS tapes of Memorial Days if you all have them. 

We have moved, our new address is: Richard & Jan Watts, 24 Windbrook Square, Norman, OK  73072. We are still in Norman just decided to downsize a bit :)  My cell is 405-474-0441. As a reminder, I am the daughter of Elmo & Winona Ritter. Elmo was Zelma's first cousin on her dad's side and Winona her first cousin on her mom's side. We are looking for any video of our parents. They died before we had video and hence we have no video of them. 

It was nice to think about Zelma again today. She was a dear to us (Darlene, Jim, Richard, Linda, & me ~ Ritter kids).

Hope this fines you all well. Steve I enjoyed talking with you and both my brothers remember you :) Richard lives in Cherokee, Ok., and Jim in the Seattle area - as well as Darlene & Linda.

Love, 

Jan

Zelma was my 1st cousin (she was just 8 yrs older than me). I remembering having so much fun with her, when at the age of 16 I worked for her and Rex at their cafe in Bryon, OK (1947). After my husband and I moved back from California 21 years ago, we have enjoyed traveling to Wichita to visit Zelma and go out to dinner together. I have enjoyed talking with Zelma over the years from time to time and she I had a great talk not to many months ago. My love to Zelma's family and I will miss her.

(Zelma's mom Luella Masters and my mom Viola Masters were sisters)

Love cousin,

Zelma was a beautiful and vivacious lady, loved her family and all her clients that she made so pretty. 
Our family was so fond of her, and we looked forward to seeing her at the reunions at Vining Church, and grave site that she always decorated so pretty.
We will miss her and remember with loving thoughts. 
I pray that her family will be comforted and know our thoughts are with them
Darlene {Ritter} Price

Zelma was always a beautiful lady, caring for others, and fun lady. I remember her at the memorial picnics and graves all the pretty flowers she so careful placed... Loved her so  and she will be missed...

Zelma Lee the world has lost a one of a kind. You will always live in our hearts.

Zelma, I will never forget you, you were such a fun lady to be around. I too remember all the Memorial Days when you would come to decorate the graves and to have our time with family. 
 When I think of you I remember your voice and your beautiful hair. I also know you had such a love of family. 
 You will be missed and remembered always. 
 My love goes out to all your family and friends. 
 Love your cousin,
   Linda Stratton

Thinking of you, 

Cleo (Masters-Replogle) McCullough

I was sorry to hear the news. I remember Zelma from as far back as I can remember anything (I am 56). Zelma was a big part of family Memorial Days. For years and years, the Ritter's, Replogle's, and Zelma had great pot luck dinners at the Union Valley Church/Vining Church. Many years several other Bread family folks would join in too ~ but Zelma was always there. Zelma was always a ball of fun!

Zelma was a first cousin to the Ritter's and to the Replogle's (Masters) and EVERYONE loved her! My parents enjoyed her company so much. I know she loved Winona too.

I am certain it has been such a comfort and enjoyment for Zelma to have had her family around to care for her. My well wishes and thoughts are with the family. 

Love,

So sorry to hear about Zelma! She was such a great lady and became one of my family. Her and "Uncle Smelley" provided many memories for me while I grew up across the street from them on Emerson. I will always remember her stash of Diet Coke and "stubborn as a jaybird" personality.

OBITUARY

Zelma Lee Smelley

February 6, 1923 – December 20, 2011

Resthaven Mortuary & Gardens of Memory

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