Born: Jan. 1, 1928

Died: Dec. 26, 2012

Zelda Mae Brett, 84, of Niles, died on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles following a brief illness.

She was born Jan. 1, 1928, in Gary, Ind., to Raymond & Earnestine (Snowden) Godfrey.

On June 11, 1952, in Crown Point, Ind., she married S. A. “Tex” Brett, who preceded her in death on Dec. 26, 1998.

Zelda was a very active member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles and was involved with the United Methodist Women.

She had a passion for missions, having made two mission trips to India.

She volunteered for many years at the former Pawating Hospital (now Lakeland) and loved needlepoint crafts.

Zelda is survived by her daughters, Linda Brett, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Dawn Cox, of Newport, Ore., and Susan (Bob) Phillips, of Niles ,and her son, Richard E. Brett, of Niles.

She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Laura, Carrie, Joshua, Rachael, Tyler, Bobby, Brett, Timothy and Andrea; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jacqueline (Irwin) Hoffman of Denver, Colo.

Zelda was preceded in death by her husband, parents and grandson, Michael.

Services for Zelda Mae Brett will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles and with the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of the church officiating.

Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning one hour before the services at the church.

Donations in memory of Zelda may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com