Elynor Ruth Zimmerman
October 18, 1930 - January 25, 2012
Obituary
Elynor Ruth (née Noble) Zimmerman, 81, of Seattle, Washington, died peacefully while surrounded by family, January 25, 2012.
She was born in Pierre, South Dakota, October 18, 1930 to Ray E. and Ruth M. Noble.
Elynor graduated Philip High School class of 1947, in Philip South Dakota. She then attended Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, South Dakota earning a teaching certificate.
She married Ward H Zimmerman on June 17, 1948 in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Elynor’s young adulthood, prior to her marriage, included being a school teacher in a rural schoolhouse located in Ottumwa, South Dakota. She regaled her family with stories of that existence, dependence on kerosene lamps, isolation from family and having to chop blocks of coal small enough to fit into the stove—the only source of heat.
As a talented vocalist and pianist she played with her brother John’s dance band, earning 5 or 10 dollars per night while entertaining from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.; the most popular request being “Sentimental Journey”. Many in the family inherited her talent and love of music. Years later she was choir director and organist in the children’s chapel at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Renton, Washington.
Active engagement with her own children and children in the wider community defined her. Starting, as many young mothers of the day, she was “den mother” to cub scouts, cookie baker, and master storyteller. In 1967 she became a foster parent in the State of Washington. She continued maturing as a public force for children when she assisted new foster parents as director of the Western Washington Foster Parent Resource Center. She was also a Washington State representative for the International Foster Parent Organization in Boston. In 1983 the Jefferson Award for Public Service was awarded to her in Washington State. As recently as 2005, The Washington Education Association (WEA) Human & Civil Rights Program Community Service Award was given to Elynor and Ward for their work foster parenting and as valued volunteers at Lakeridge Elementary School. Positive reverberations of her continuous efforts—dedication to children and public service—endure.
She is survived by her spouse of 63 years Ward H Zimmerman. Sisters-in-law: Frances Noble, Hazel Zimmerman, Adelaide Zimmerman. Brother-in-law: Robert Zimmerman. Children: Ward Harry Zimmerman (Peggie), James V. Zimmerman (Theresa), Susan A. Dickinson (Steven), Ruth E. Brandal (Paul), Darrell L. Zimmerman, Demetria L. Zimmerman. Honorary son: Yong Ie (Sokhaly). Former son-in-law: Adolfo Rico.
Grandchildren 13, honorary grandchildren 4, great-grandchildren 24, honorary great grandchildren 4, numerous nieces and nephews and 26 foster children many of whom express their continued affection for her.
A memorial service will be held at Lakeridge Lutheran Church (7465 South 112th Street, Seattle, WA), on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 2:00 p.m., reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers please donate memorials to organizations for cancer research or to the charity of the givers choice.
Thoughts and prayers to all her family. We will remember her fondly and send love to all the Zimmerman’s. Peace to you Ward.
To the Zimmerman family…Elynor will be greatly missed. We have come to enjoy the summer visits in our backyard and her zest for connecting with everyone.
Our deepest sympathy.
Gary and CIndy Noble
Elynor leaves a deep vacancy in our lives for we have known and loved her and her family since 1954. Ruth is our God daughter, and we enclose her, Harry, Jim, Susan and Ward in our sympathy for their loss.
To read more about my mother, please visit http://www.bisondalen.com where a memorial website has been created in her memory. Thank you for your love.
I remember Elynor as a mothering kind of woman, but also a thinker, with strong convictions. A wonderful neighbor. One who loved God and lived for Him. Faithful! One who endured much physical suffering. And now showing her true colors for the final test: accepting God’s call to her with such grace and willingness.
Ward– We all grieve with you– but we all rejoice for
the gift of real life that Elynor has given to others. As your neighbor for many years, I was always impressed with
the fine sons you adopted and raised so well.
God bless, Ward.
Our thoughts are with you during such a sad time – whilst distance keeps us afar we are never forgetful of our American family. All our love now and forever.
Our deepest sympathies to all the family.
Sincerely,
Bob & Pauline Von Ruden
Prayers to up lift up, and care for Ward and the Family
Love to Ward and Family,
From all us,
Allen Terri Hannah Heidi Everett Tom Alberta
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Zimmerman family. I grew up with each of you, and your mother was so kind and loving. I remember so many things as a child and even as an adult. And through all the years, remainded a neighbor, and looked forward to Elynor’s Chirstmas letter. She will be missed so very much.
Peace and Love to all.
Randy
The Zimmerman home was always an oasis of warmth and kindness. Knowing that Mrs. Zimmermann is no longer here makes my world a colder place.
My deepest condolences to the Zimmerman Family, may God keep you strong in this time of sorrow and thank you Ward and Eleanor for being a great inspiration in my life. Love the Elliott Family.
My Godmother,
Elynor is someone I can always rely on for love, hope, and understanding. She understood this world was a particular hardship for some, but yet proved through actions and testiments within this book that God’s love, and true love, will always prevail. Amber and I have always been amazed by her faithful letters, calls, and availability during times of triumph or trials. As someone wrote earlier, the world is a colder place without her. I have never known someone to be so remarkably unconditional, patient, and faithful to the Lord as she. Not being able to speak with her is a moment I never paused to foresee. I love you Elynor, and your example will always live with me.
God Bless You Zimmerman’s. We Love You. Thank you. You certainly paid it forward.
Vincent & Amber
My thoughts and prayers are with the Zimmerman family. Mrs. Zimmerman was such a big part of childhood and I will always be thankful for that. So sorry to hear of the loss.
Lisa
Somehow I missed getting to sign the guestbook last year. I will always remember how the Zimmerman family “took me in” during my college years. Elynor was like my 2nd mom, and treated me as one of her own. I felt loved and cared for, and loved how she extended herself to so many, but always seemed to have time for whoever needed her. She will be greatly missed! As it will soon be the anniversary of her home-going, I will be remembering all of the Zimmerman family in prayer.
I am so sorry to hear about elenore she was a wonderful women her daughter and i were best friends and she treated me like family she will be greatly missed