Dorothy A. Zabka

Dorothy attended Greeley High School and graduated with the class of 1942. She also attended Barnes Business College in Denver. She returned home to work in the family business with her father.

She married Duane “Dewey” Zabka on June 1, 1958. They were married 57 years. Dorothy was a lifetime resident of Greeley.

Dorothy had a part in the management of Martin Produce since a time when women in the produce business were practically unheard of. She continued to be a major force in the potato and onion industries for many years. She was a member of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and National Onion Association. She and Dewey traveled for business and pleasure attending business meetings and conventions.

Even after dedicating many hours to running a successful business, Dorothy still found time to enjoy bowling, tennis, vacationing, and dining out with friends and family. Over the years, Dorothy was a collector. Some of the things she collected were cars, antiques, teddy bears, and pens.

Dorothy also loved trains. She made it a daily ritual to wave at each passing train. All of the crews passing through Greeley knew her and would stop by the office for a visit when possible.

Dorothy served the community in a variety of ways. She was elected the first and only female mayor of Greeley serving two terms from 1965 to 1969. She and her husband were Grand Marshals’ of the Greeley Stampede in 1994. She supported the NCMC Foundation and served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board. She was a huge supporter of the Weld County 4-H program. Dorothy was a 4-H leader for 50 plus years, founder of the Catch-It-Calf program and Weld County Fair Car Show, and served on the Fair Board and Royalty Committee. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her husband, Duane (Dewey); nephew Chuck (Debi) Bird; nieces Vickie (Bernd) Heyse and Terry Markley; great-nephews Mitch (Sasha) Bird, Matthew (Courtney) Bird and Drs. Marc (Jennifer) Bird, Jerome Markley; great-nieces Jessica Markley, Teresa Markley, and Sharon Markley; brother-in-law Don McWilliams and several great-great nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Lillian Bird and Betty McWilliams; brother in law Richard Bird; nephew Martin Bird; and great-nephew Mike McWilliams.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1800 21st Avenue, Greeley, CO. Private family entombment at Linn Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Weld County 4-H Foundation in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.

The family would like to thank the care givers at Grace Pointe and Visiting Angels for their patience and care given during Dorothy’s illness.