Zelma Simpson 93, formerly of Mendota passed away Monday, May 13, 2019 at Keystone Memory Care, North Liberty, Iowa. She moved to Iowa four years ago to be near her daughter Judy and family.

Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Susan Presley officiating. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral.

Zelma was born May 23, 1925 in Wayne County, Illinois, the daughter of Amor and Emma (Jones) Williamson. She married Robert "Bud" Simpson in May 23, 1942 in Mendota and celebrated 67 years of marriage before Bud's passing in 2009.

She worked at many jobs during her lifetime, Del Monte, A&P Egg Plant and Harper Wyman in Princeton. Mostly she enjoyed her retirement, celebrating holidays with her family, exercising with her friends, helping with the church garage sales and playing cards. She was a member of the Mendota Moose Lodge, Mendota Elks Club, Mendota Golf Club and First United Methodist Church, Mendota.

She is survived by her daughter Judy (Del) Gehrke of Iowa City, IA; her granddaughter Michelle Gehrke, her grandson Brad (Tina) Gehrke, great grandchildren Jessica (Caylin Hauptmann) Hunter, Chase Gehrke and Otto Gehrke, and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Michael, husband Bud and sisters Fern Archer, Doris Yost and Maxine Headley.

Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church or Iowa City Hospice 1025 Wade St. Iowa City, IA 52240.