WILMA MARIE VAN ZANDT

The death of Wilma Marie Van Zandt, was recorded on May 10, 2021, at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville, Mo, where she had been living since 2019.  A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, her family is what brought her the greatest joy.

Wilma was born in Camden, Ray Co, Mo, on December 18, 1936.  Wilma was the daughter of Ruth Virginia Strickler of Camden, Mo, and James Fletcher Rutherford of Aullville, Mo.  A graduate of Lexington High School in 1956, Wilma married Richard Cole Van Zandt on March 30, 1956, in Lexington, Mo; he preceded her in death on December 2, 2011.

She was a longtime member of several organizations, including the Order of the Eastern Star, Lexington BPW, and the First Baptist Church of Lexington, Mo.

Wilma was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and two brothers, James Rutherford, Jr. and David Rutherford.

Her survivors include her son Jim Van Zandt (Renee) of Blue Springs, Mo; her daughter Linda Keller (Norman) of Lexington, Mo; her son Tom Van Zandt (Sharon) of Lexington, Mo; her son Tim Van Zandt (Chris Beal) of Kansas City, Mo; her grandson Patrick Keller (Joe Cordeal) of Wentville, Mo; and her granddaughter Cassie Keller (Bailey Anderson) of Lexington, Mo.  She is also survived by her sister Sarah Raber of Quito, Ecuador; her brother Richard Rutherford (Rachel) of Tuscaloosa, Al; her sister Patty Ballance of Kansas City, Mo; and many nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held for family members at Lexington Memory Gardens.  Arrangements made by Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond, Mo.  Please share your memories of Wilma by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .