Zelma Grace Divan

Zelma Grace Divan

MARTIN - Zelma Grace Divan, 86, of Martin, South Dakota, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs, Nebraska.

She was born July 16, 1925, in Martin, South Dakota to Alta Welton and Orrin Bayliss. She grew up and attended grade school and high school in Gordon, Nebraska, graduating from Gordon High School in 1943.

On June 30, 1943, she married Frank (Pete) Divan in Rushville, Nebraska. The couple farmed with Frank's parents north of Gordon until 1949, when they moved to their farm/ranch north of Batesland.

Zelma worked alongside Frank for many years on the family farm. In 1976, she began working as a school cook at Central Grade School, retiring in 1995 after 19 years of service. She took pride in her cooking and baking and it was enjoyed by all of the students who were fortunate enough to attend school at Central. She loved all of the students and enjoyed her time at the school.

Zel (as Frank affectionately called her) was a very active lady with a zest for life. She kept herself busy cooking, gardening, doing ceramics, traveling, quilting, reading, bowling, and playing cards. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Lutheran Ladies Guild, Bennett County Election Board, and Red Hat Society. She also enjoyed spending time with all of her wonderful friends and family.

Zelma's life is celebrated by her family, including her husband, Frank of Martin; daughter Shirley Myers (Don) of Rapid City; son Charles (Butch) Divan (Linda) of Martin; five grandchildren, Kevin Myers (Joan) of Rapid City, Keith Myers of Hill City, Scott Divan (Nancey) of Martin, Leslie Hicks (Chad) of Pierre and Brett Divan of Cheyenne, WY; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Zelma was preceded in death by her mother, Alta (Welton) Fish; father Orrin Bayliss, stepfather Nelson Fish; brother Edward Bayliss and brother Wayne Bayliss.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 29, at Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home in Gordon.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday April 30, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Gordon, with Pastor Abigail Eltzroth officiating. Burial services will follow at the Gordon Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Kevin Myers, Keith Myers, Scott Divan, Brett Divan, Chad Hicks and Lukas Divan.

Honorary Pallbearers are all the family and friends of Zelma.

The family asks that any memorials be to the Gordon Memorial Hospital and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366 Gordon, NE 69343.