Zelma Marie Bridges

Zelma Marie Bridges of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Halfway, Missouri, died on February 19, 2013, at the Rose Estates Assisted Living in Overland Park, Kansas.

Zelma was born on July 18, 1919, in Halfway, Missouri, the daughter of Allen Tine and Mary Belle Elliott Vincent. Zelma was united in marriage to Melbie Bridges on September 24, 1939.

Zelma was a faithful member of the Jericho Missionary Baptist Church in Independence, Missouri for many years. She was strongly devoted to her faith, family and friends.

Zelma loved to read, write and watch the Kansas Jayhawks play basketball. She wrote many poems when she was younger and was proud that some were published in Capper’s Weekly. She worked at Macy’s in the china and silver department for over 25 years.

Zelma was preceded in death by her husband, Melbie Bridges. They were married for 69 years before he died in 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Velma Vincent, Chloris Gorden, and Dolis Vincent.

Zelma was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend to us all. She will be missed and loved forever. Everyone that knew her will always remember her warm smile, caring spirit and generosity.

Zelma is survived by three sons, Byron Bridges and his wife Linda of Grain Valley, Missouri, Wayne Bridges and his wife Debbie of Nixa, Missouri, and Ken and his wife Karen of Overland Park, Kansas; a daughter, Karen Cheatham and her husband Bill of Loch Lloyd, Missouri; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, who delighted in the fact that she called them all “her favorite.” She is also survived by two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to thank the staff at the Rose Estates and ContinuA Hospice for their loving care of Zelma during the last weeks of her life.

Visitation will be from 6:00-7:30 p.m., Friday, February 22, 2013, at the Amos Family Funeral Home, Shawnee, Kansas. Another visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 23, 2013, at Butler Funeral Home, Bolivar, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Bolivar, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to ContinuA Hospice, 13002 State Line Road, Leawood, Kansas 66209.