Zelma Mae Nelson
Born: June 02, 1910
Died: November 07, 2010
Zelma Mae Austin Nelson died November 7, 2010 at Golden Age Nursing Home in Guthrie, OK at the age of 100. She was the daughter of Blanche Genevieve and John Andrew Austin and was born in the Camp Russell community just north of Guthrie on June 2, 1910. She attended country school in the Navina area until the family moved to Guthrie in 1920. She was involved in many school activities at Guthrie High School and was vice president of her senior class of 1927. Immediately following graduation, she became the bookkeeper for the Peterson-Austin Buick dealership and service garage and later Peterson and Austin Chevrolet Company.
On September 19, 1931, Zelma married William Edgar “Bill” Nelson, so of long-time Guthrie Fire Chief Ed Nelson and wife Alta Bryan Nelson. In 1937, when Bill opened the Bill Nelson Sporting Goods Store, west of the post office in Guthrie, Zelma became the bookkeeper for that business and continued keeping the books until the store closed in 1982. After retirement, she and Bill developed Nelson Heights Addition, south of Guthrie. Following her husband’s death in 1991 Zelma continued to manage the development until all lots were sold.
Zelma was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and actively involved in her children’s activities in St. Mary’s Catholic School and the Altar Society of many years.
Zelma was preceded in death by her husband Bill; two sons John Edgar and William Paul; one daughter Virginia Sue; one great-great-grandchild Kelvin Edgar Cole; four brothers and wives Wollard Austin and wife Nell, Marvin Austin and wife Juanita, Paul Austin and wife Betty, and James Austin and wife Katherine.
Survivors include one son Joseph Andrew and wife Jenny English Nelson of Stillwater, OK; two daughters Nancy Lou and husband Norman A. Parker of Norman, OK and Sandra Maree and husband Chuck Burtcher of Guthrie; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Montague Nelson of Midlothian, TX; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother Charles Austin and wife Rita of Guthrie; one sister-in-law Dean Austin of Wagoner, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Zelma was a very loving and caring mother, Nana, and great-grandmother and will be missed so very much. She had an encouraging word for everyone and will be remembered by all who knew her for her infectious smile and her sweet disposition.
A family prayer vigil will be held at 10: 00 a.m., Wednesday at Smith Memorial Chapel prior to the funeral service.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Steve Austin of Resurrection Catholic Church of Tulsa, OK officiating. Interment will follow at Summit View Cemetery, Guthrie. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Zelma’s six grandsons Kenneth Parker of Norman, OK, Kenton Nelson of Mansfield, TX, Travis Hopfer and Brad Burtcher of Oklahoma City, OK, Christopher Nelson of Stillwater, and Scott Burtcher of Guthrie.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Companion Hospice of Guthrie, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, or the charity of your choice.
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