Zelma Mae Eaton
1928 - 2002 (74 years)
Generation: 1
1. Zelma Mae Eaton was born on 7 Sep 1928 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; died on 18 Dec 2002 in Casper, Natrona County, Wyoming. Notes:
Married 7 Oct 1948, Pavillion, Fremont County, Wyoming to Lester G. Smith. I can find no other documentation on him.
Aerial Knocked Down by Power Wire Injures Two
Riverton, Wyo., July 23. – (AP) – Mrs. Harvey Eaton was burned and her daughter, Zelma, suffered shock when they became entangled in a radio aerial which was knocked down by a power wire.
In investigating, the daughter was caught in the whipping aerial, across which the power wire fell, and the mother became entangled when she went to the aid of the daughter. The daughter finally freed herself and then her mother.
Casper Star-Tribune, Casper, Wyoming. Monday, 23 July 1945, page 2.
Zelma M. Smith
Casper – Services for Riverton resident Zelma M. Smith, 74, will be conducted at 10 a.m. today at Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory by Pastor John Spears of Highland Park Community Church.
She died Dec. 18, 2002, at Poplar Living Center surrounded by her loving family.
Born Sept. 7, 1928, in Riverton – the same night as a celebration with a circus and serious knifing incident – she was the daughter of Harvey A. and Goldie Mae (Gardner) Eaton; and was raised and educated in the Riverton area.
She graduated from Riverton High School and began working at Northern Utilities Co., where she was employed for several years.
She met Lester G. Smith of California, who was working for the Bureau of Reclamation and they were married in 1948.
The couple moved to Whittier for a few years then returned to Riverton. A housewife, she also worked at KVOW-Radio, Riverton Nursing Home, Super 8 Motel and the Sundowner Motel.
She was a member of the Riverton United Methodist Church and had served as noble grand and soloist for the Rebekah Lodge of Wyoming. Her interest included sewing, knitting, and writing. She had published three books for children and her work had been entered into the Poetry Hall of Fame.
Survivors include her husband of 54 years; a son, Dana Smith and his wife; daughter, Darlene Pursel, and her husband; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial may be made to Meals on Wheels, 1760 E. 12th St., Casper 82601.
Casper Star-Tribune, Casper, Wyoming. Saturday, 21 December 2002.