Wilma M. Zeller

Wilma Mae Zeller

June 25, 1924 - May 29, 2014

BARTLEY, Neb. -- Wilma Mae Zeller, 89, of Bartley, died Thursday, May 29, 2014, at the Cambridge Manor in Cambridge.

Wilma was born in Orafino on June 25, 1924, to Andrew and Geneva (Griesel) DeMere. She graduated from Bartley High School in 1949, then taught country school for two years.

On Jan. 17, 1942, she married Elmer Zeller. They farmed north of Bartley until 1965, when they purchased the Bartley Lumber Yard and moved into Bartley. Elmer and Wilma worked together in the lumber yard until retirement.

Wilma enjoyed needlepoint, cross stitch and making stained glass pictures. She was famous for her peanut brittle, which she made every Christmas for the patrons of the Lumber Yard, community, friends and family. She averaged over 100 pounds a year. Wilma was also recognized by many as "The World's Greatest Cinnamon Roll Maker." She was a member of the Bartley Legion Auxiliary and the Kemper Memorial Methodist Church of Bartley.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer; brother, Lawrence "Bud" DeMere; sister, Nelda Listen; and son-in-law, Carlton O'Dea.

She is survived by her daughter, Andrea O'Dea of McCook; three sons, Stephen and wife, Judy Zeller of Lincoln, Nebraska, Charlie and wife, Sherry Zeller of Bartley and Regan and wife, Mary Jane Zeller of Omaha; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge with Pastor Jeff Wulf officiating. Interment will be in the Bartley Cemetery, Bartley, Nebraska.

Friends may leave on-line condolences at lockenour.com. Memorials may be left in Wilma's name at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge is in charge of arrangements.