Zelma Simpson, 88, died March 22, 2011, at home in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born on November 23, 1922, at the family homestead east of Ford, Kansas, the daughter of John Alvin and Sarah (Heath) Melia.

Zelma's husband, family, and faith were her life. On May 28, 1941, she married Roderic Haynes Simpson at his mother's home in Dodge City. Zelma was the quintessential nurturing mother. While raising five children, she took time to turn herself out beautifully every day. She gave daily to her family and church, and was an educational advocate for her children in Dodge City schools. She participated in civic endeavors and by example taught those around her to work hard, serve the Lord, be involved with one's neighbor, and to passionately fight injustice. Gardening was a favorite pastime and brought her peace and joy. Zelma loved to paint and was a talented artist. She was legendary for her handmade wedding albums and was a voracious reader.

Zelma is survived by her husband, Rod Simpson, of Kansas City; one son, Steven Simpson and wife Mary Ann of Columbia, Missouri; three daughters, Sherry Maxwell and husband Michael of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Cathy Ready and husband Bill of Tonganoxie, Kansas, Micky Conway and husband Mike of Kansas City, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Ruth Ann Simpson Hogan and husband Phil Hogan of Phoenix, Arizona; and a brother Royce Melia and wife Margaret of La Junta, Colorado; 12 grandchildren, Robert Simpson, Matthew and wife Christina Maxwell, Susan Simpson, Jennifer Maxwell, Dana and husband Jonas Mentzer, Michael Simpson, Curtis and wife Elizabeth Yohon, Sarah and husband Brian Berlin, Luke Gordon, Philip and wife Lorie Gordon, Grant Simpson, Nicholas Simpson, and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Roderic Dean Simpson, her parents, three sisters, and five brothers.

Funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Dodge City on Saturday, March 26, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Regina M. Maas presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City on Friday, March 25th from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Memorials are suggested to Kendallwood Hospice, North Cross United Methodist Church of North Kansas City, or First Presbyterian Church of Dodge City in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.