Obituary: Gorrell, Zelma E. (Ankney)
Age 97
The family returned to the States and settled in Sweetwater, ID.
Zelma graduated from Lapwai High School (1933).
She moved to Spokane to attend Kinman Business School.
While going to school, she worked as a cook and pie maker for the Brown Derby.
She met Neil Gorrell at the restaurant and they were married in 1939, honeymooning at the New York World Fair.
Zelma was active in her children’s lives and community: a Camp Fire leader, Den Mother, PTA officer and committee chair, and various church and women’s groups.
With or without a pattern, she was a seamstress extraordinaire with clothing, curtains, draperies, and upholstery.
After retiring, she became an avid quilter and was active in Washington State Quitters, serving on several committees.
Zelma worked as a bookkeeper for Equitable of Iowa Insurance and at Smith Funeral Home.
She and Neil moved to San Mateo, California in 1969 where she worked for Mutual of Omaha.
They returned to Spokane in 1977.
Zelma, employed under the Senior Environmental Employment Program to document Spokane wells was recognized at the White House for her work.
Retirement brought many years in which she enjoyed her gardening, sewing, word and card games, and love of reading.
Quiet, unassuming, and petite in stature, she could be under-estimated but not for long.
Known as good-natured, confident, determined, a “can do” person, Zelma was a wonderful role model to family and friends.
She was the seconded oldest child, but oldest girl to seven siblings, all who remained close.
She was preceded in death by her husband Neil, son Brian, son-in-law Richard Page, brothers Glen, Jack and Wayne, and sister Etha McClelland.
She is survived by daughters Marlys Page, Pamela Myhr (Gary); grandchildren Susan Baker(Mike), Rick Page, Tricia Page, Gregor Myhr (Hollie), Ryan Myhr (Maile); great grandchildren Mackenzie Myhr, Baylee Myhr, Alexander Page, Heidi Myhr; sister Lyla Simmons, brothers Elton (Callie) Ankney, Lloyd(Rosetta) Ankney; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A very special thank you to the staff at Rockwood South Courtyard for the loving care they gave our mom.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Heritage Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2214, Spokane, WA.
99210-2215 or Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd.
Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA, 92057.