Funeral Services for Zelda Butterfield, age 95, of O'Neill and formerly of Chambers will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church in O'Neill with burial to follow in the Chambers Cemetery.  Pastor Linda Lambert will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm Prayer Service.  Zelda passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Arbor Care Center in O'Neill.  Memorials may be directed to her family for future designation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Zelda Beth Edwards was born July 22, 1929 to Delbert and Erma (Snelson) Edwards near Fullerton, Nebraska.  She was raised on a ranch west of Amelia and attended country school.  During high school, she met Dale Allen Butterfield at a country dance.  She graduated from Chambers High School in 1947.  The couple was united in marriage on June 15, 1947.  They made a home near Long Lake and ranched close to the Chambers area throughout their marriage.  They were blessed by four children Doretta, Randy, Loren, and Gaylene.

Zelda never shied away from hard work.  She had many jobs over her lifetime.  Zelda helped with all outdoors chores, wall papering, working at cafes, putting up hay, census taker, teacher aide, and babysitter.  Being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother brought her the most joy.  She loved to travel, read, crochet, do puzzles, play cards, and spend time with her family and friends.  Zelda also loved to dance and couldn't pass up a good waltz.  Her fried chicken and chicken gravy are legendary and will be missed by all.

Zelda is survived by her children, Doretta (Alan) Rowse of O'Neill, Randy (Colleen) Butterfield of Ericson, Loren (Sharon) Butterfield of Chambers, Gaylene (Renee Reimer) Butterfield of Omaha; 10 grandchildren, LeAlan (Cheri) Rowse, Leland (Tammy) Rowse, Jennifer (Ty) Burkey, Dana (Stacey) Rowse, Trina (Randy) Pelster, Tonya (Wayne) Miller, Tara (Dean) Pokorny, Trenton (Tina) Butterfield, DaLean (Casey) Barten, Regan Reimer; 25 great grandchildren; siblings, Arlis (Don) Pokorny, Zane (Carole) Edwards.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and great grandson, Corbin Pelster.

To see a video of Zelda's evening prayer service and her funeral, click here: Zelda's Prayer Service and Funeral

A special lady…
Many years ago, in 1992
Our childcare provider got sick, now what do we do?
Someone suggested Zelda, whom we hardly knew.
A phone call was made, "Would you consider 3 kids? Only for a week or two?

One never knows where a phone call will lead…
A very kind lady helping a family in need.
Every morning a hug for the kids, and a cheery smile for me…
We soon realized that Zelda was special indeed!

She arrived every morning to report "for duty"
Driving a 1960 Ford which she fondly called Black Beauty.
Then one morning she came, her face all a glow
A blue Mercury she'd purchased, so sad was I to see Black Beauty go.

Errands to run, so to O'Neill she'd go …
Always had her sidekick Brooke in tow.
A sucker at the grocery store was always a treat!
Brooke took it with a smile, anxious to eat!

…Scared Zelda to death as they drove down the street
When Brooke shouted "McDonald's!" from the back seat.
To all it was pretty easy to see….
Ice cream cones were their favorite treat!

While shopping one day, searching for parts,
Zelda died of embarrassment while pushing Brooke in the cart.
As they strolled by a lady Brooke told her she was fat.
Needless to say, they didn't stay and chat!

So much to be thankful for…all that she taught us,
She calmed my nerves when I was ready to throw all under the bus.
Always forgiving, she never judged what others had done,
She taught me to see the goodness in everyone.

When the kids were driving us crazy and all was awry,
Zelda always said, "Love them, they grow up so fast, in a blink of an eye"
She was right.

When Brett hit Brienna, because Brienna hit Brett,
Zelda always said, "Two wrongs don't make a right."
She was right.

Her talent for frying chicken couldn't be beat.
Surprising me for my birthday was a HUGE TREAT!
30 years ago, Zelda told Brett that wings were the king.
She was right, he should have invested in Buffalo Wild Wings!

Her love for cardinals was known family wide.
There was usually a cardinal somewhere close by her side.
Thinking of a Christmas gift, something worthwhile?
You knew that a cardinal would always make her smile.

Zelda was a part of our birthdays and holidays.
A thoughtful gift in hand, usually something she had made.
She loved making blankets, pillows and doilies she crocheted…
Maple sticks, apple & zucchini bread, no worries about how much we weighed!

While sitting on the edge of our coffee table,
Brooke ran to Zelda, fast and able.
She knocked poor Zelda into the center glass.
The glass was shattered, torn jeans, a big gash.

She was stuck in the middle and couldn't move an inch.
No direction to go…she was really pinched.
Thank goodness Marty was home and came to the rescue.
She was pulled from the table, bleeding and black & blue.

Zelda frowned upon playing with newborn kittens,
"Don't touch!" she said, but the kids were smitten.
To the house they would bring them without their mother,
In trouble they'd be…both sisters and brother.

Radishes from Marty's garden, she did love.
Her asparagus limp & soggy, I did not love!
Tender crisp green beans she did not love,
Many things you remember of someone you love.

A few things Zelda wished she knew how to do…
Learn how to ride a bike and to swim were two.
She wished she'd sat down and learned from our son, Brett,
All those computer gadgets and that darn internet.

When the kids came to visit, it was always their wish…
To be the one chosen to feed Zelda's fish.
She always found a way for each to take their turn.
As usual, another lesson was learned.

As the years went by and our children were grown,
Our friendship continued while she was home alone.
On a moment's notice when I'd give her a call,
She'd "road trip" with me as I delivered pictures to all.

In the spring we'd travel, to the greenhouses we'd go…
She'd teach me about flowers, so much she did know.
A picnic in the park, or fast food in the city,
She didn't care, she wasn't picky.

In the fall when the leaves were turning so pretty,
I'd give her a call, "Want to drive to the city?"
As we're driving along she'd turn and say "I hate the fall."
Asking why, she'd answer "It reminds me that winter is coming for all."

Not quite by blood, but in our hearts, you'll always be,
Our "almost grandma", taking care of our three.
How thankful we are for our lives you have touched,
Zelda, we all love you very much.

Zelda loved you all, more than you know.
For each of us, it's so hard to let her go.
For a special lady, she deserves only the best.
It's comforting to know that in God's arms she will rest.