Zelda R. "Kerns" Huff

Zelda Rae Huff, known affectionately by her family as "Zoog", passed away peacefully Sunday, February 22, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was 82 years old.

Zelda was born April 12, 1943, to Lawrence Raymond and Clara (Geiler) Kerns in St. Joseph, Missouri. She had three sons from her first marriage: Roger, Scott and Cary Valentine. Zelda reunited with her first love, Allen Dwight Huff in 1977. Together, they have a son, Travis Huff. Zelda and Dwight shared 48 years of marriage before her passing. He survives of the home.

Zelda's family was the light of her life. She lived for get-togethers that promised a good meal and quality time. She especially loved a certain card game that led to late nights, lots of laughter and blushing faces around the dining room table as grandchildren explained phrases and words that would, typically, never be said to Grandma. It was around that same table that countless stories were shared and life discussions were had. You may have had three helpings of supper, but Zelda had a way of making the world feel lighter when it came time to call it a night.

She was admired by her family for many reasons, but especially for her resilience and grit. Zelda never backed down from a challenge and not much could slow her down. She was tenacious. Believe it or not, at 72-years-old she went back to school and earned her high school diploma - an achievement which brought her and her family great pride. She was the kind of woman who told it like it is, regardless of if you wanted to hear it or not; but it was that kind of realism that made her such a humbling comfort to her loved ones.

Zelda wanted her obituary to bring an air of her sense of humor, which was unmatched. It is hard to convey that humor in light of a loss so great. But know this, she knew (and shared) dirty jokes that could make a sailor blush, had a love of…colorful language, mastered the art of sarcasm and definitely taught most of her grandchildren how and when to give someone "the bird".

She loved holidays and cookouts, stargazing and talking about aliens, animals of all kinds, watching Facebook videos and shrimp burritos. Zelda seemed to believe Taco Bell's hard tacos had healing powers, as it was the one thing her family was expected to smuggle into the hospital during her stays. In more active times she enjoyed wandering the timber in search of morel mushrooms, bowling, playing games on Nintendo, going to the movies, bingo and garage sales. Mostly, she loved whatever gave her a reason to get out and about and spend time with her family. She was always on the go until her health forced her to take things a little slower in recent years.

Eventually, Zelda grew tired and her body could no longer keep up with the compounding health issues she faced. True to her nature, she left this Earth on her own terms, exactly how she wished for. She gave it a hell of a fight. As cliche as it may be, if love could have kept her alive, she would have outlived us all. She will be missed immensely. Her strength and spirit will live on in her children and grandchildren.

Zelda was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; Melvin Kerns, Lonnie Kerns, Audrey Digenan and Gary "Buster" Lawrence.

Survivors include her husband, Allen Dwight Huff; sons Roger (Vereanna Stocking), Scott (Lisa Bray) and Cary (Susan) Valentine and Travis (Melissa Dydell) Huff; grandchildren Jason (Mindy Spayd) Valentine, Tim (Kasha Laffey) Caples, Steven (Allison Welch) Valentine, Jeffrey (Jess) Valentine, Cara (Alexander) Campbell, Austin (Haley Hayter) Huff, Audra (Quentin) Lenz, Carli Valentine, Brody Huff, Sienna Huff and Genesis Huff; great-grandchildren Calvin, Rowan, Declan, Everly, Nolan and Killian; numerous nieces and nephews and cherished friends Dee Farrow, Sue Clark and Nancy Santos.

Her family thanks the caregivers from Frudenthal's In-Home Health and Hospice teams for their part in keeping her comfortable in the last weeks of her life.

Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to the St. Joseph Animal Shelter. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.