Obituary

Zelda Laurraine Ackenhausen Kibbee, 86

Zelda Laurraine Ackenhausen was born October 26, 1912, in Leavenworth County, Kansas. She was the only child of George Thomsen and Iva Florence Anderson Ackenhausen.

At the age of three months, Zelda moved with her family to Kansas City, Missouri. Zelda attended grade school, Central junior high school, Central senior high school and Kansas City Junior College in Kansas City. Prior to Zelda attending college, she studied toe and ballet dancing, vocal and piano at the Horner Institute. Zelda graduated from Kansas State University in May, 1934, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree. After her education, Zelda taught school for 25 years, most of them in Colorado.

Zelda Ackenhausen was married to Harold Kibbee May 17, 1940. Zelda was not only blessed with a wonderful husband when she married Harold, but a daughter, Lucile, as well. Harold and Zelda loved to dance, and would dance anywhere they would Astrike up the band.@ Zelda was a loving and committed wife to Harold for 58 years. Zelda was a zealous educator, and dedicated many years to educating others as well as herself. She loved to study and learn. She was a very kind and compassionate person who gave of herself and her time to anyone in need. Zelda found beauty in many things. She found beauty in people, and places, but particularly enjoyed flowers and animals.

Zelda Kibbee died December 24, 1998, at Keefe Memorial Hospital in Cheyenne Wells just short of six months after her husband, Harold=s death.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, a 23 month old son, Larry Heaton, and her parents. Zelda is survived by her daughter, Lucille Davis of Cheyenne Wells; three grandchildren, Marsha (Gary) Richards of Oberlin, Kansas, Laurraine ALaurrie@ Rodgers of Limon, and Randy (Becky) Davis of Annville, Pennsylvania; great grandchildren Spring and Ryan Diederich, Breanna Davis, Cody Richards and Brandy Richards; as well as one great great grandchild, Elizabeth Richards.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 29, 1998, at the Church of Christ in Cheyenne Wells with Pastor Tom Burch officiating. Musical selections were AIn the Garden,@ AGod Will Take Care of You,@ and AShepherd Show Me How to Go,@ sung by Kelly Beek, accompanied by Dalton Teague on the violin. At the conclusion of the service, Dalton Teague play AAmazing Grace@ on the violin as the gathering of friends and family were dismissed. Serving as casket bearers were Darrel Aldrich, Ron Robertson, Cliff Roberts, Ralph Beek and Homer Kibbee. Serving as the honorary casket bearer was special friend, Tutor Knudsen.

Final committal services were held at the Arapahoe Cemetery in Arapahoe. Dalton Teague and Ralph Beek played AWhispering Hope@ on the violin and guitar as a special tribute to Zelda at the Zelda at the cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.