Born September 9, 1931 in Laura to Orville and Evelyn (Gard) Calef, she married Willis L. Thompson on August 2, 1951 in Searcy, Arkansas. He died December 15, 2001 in East Peoria. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Alan Thompson; one daughter, Lori Thompson; two brothers, Ralph Calef and Ed Calef and two sisters, Edith Belford and Edna Fuller.
Surviving are one son, Rusty (Kristi) Thompson of Pekin; one daughter, Leasa (Jeff) Rhoades of Metamora; eight grandchildren, Joshua Thompson, Chad (Stephanie) Thompson, Nicoli (Emily) Thompson, Taylor Thompson, Trevor (C.J.) Thompson-McBride, Nicole (Dustin) Herrick, Michelle (Dave) Brecklin, and Andrew (Ashley) Buff and seven great-grandchildren.
Zelda was a Registered Nurse last working at the old Proctor Hospital, which was located on 2nd Street in Peoria.
She enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting and doing embroidery work. She also made baby blankets and dolls. She formerly volunteered at Washington Christian Village for many years.
Zelda was a member of First United Methodist Church in East Peoria. She was formerly a member of Highway Village Mennonite Church and Creve Coeur Christian Church.
Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 10, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor James C. McClarey will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be in Lancaster Cemetery in Glasford.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to Independence Village and their staff for their excellent care and kindness offered to Zelda.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
