Zelma Gammill

Zelma Pearl (Zel) Gammill, 96 a longtime resident of the Fort Sumner valley died early Monday, March 5, 2012 at Prairie Acres Care Center in Friona, TX following an illness. She was born January 17, 1916 in Stony, Texas to the home of Auyer Robert Powers and the former Lizzie Mae Newton. She was reared in Floydada, Texas. Zelma married Willie Gammill in 1931. They made their home in De Baca County in 1932. She drove a school bus from the ranch south of Taiban to Fort Sumner for many years. She also baked rolls and desserts for the Fort Sumner School Cafeteria for many years. She retired in the early 1980’s. Zel was a member of the Fort Sumner Church of Christ and also served as a 4-H Leader in De Baca County. She enjoyed gardening and quilting. Zel is preceded in death by her husband Willie Gammill in 1977; her mother Lizzie Mae Newton in 1917, father Auyer Robert Powers in 1929; a daughter Ellen Marie Gammill in 1944, grandson Rance Thompson in 1997, granddaughter Cherisa Gammill in 1983, great-grandson Colten Gunn in 2011, a son-in-law Clifton Rogers in 2006, and all her siblings. She is survived by nine children, four sons, Billy Gene Gammill and wife Roberta of Las Cruces, NM, Aubrey Lee Gammill and wife Mary of Argyle, TX, Joe Gammill and wife Loretta of Fort Sumner, NM, Bruce Gammill and wife LaDonna of Roswell, NM, five daughters Naomi Gunn and husband G.A. of Fort Sumner, Doris Rodgers of Huntley, Illinois, Juanita Thompson and husband David of Grand Prairie, TX, Linda Maleche and husband Gary of Portland, Oregon, and Joyce Roberts and husband Steve of Fort Sumner. Also surviving are many special and wonderful grandchildren, several talented great-grandchildren and a few extra special great-great-grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and good neighbors. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, March 8, 2012 at the Fort Sumner Church of Christ with Mr. Silas Shotwell and Mr. Mark McCollum officiating. Burial will follow at 5:00 PM at Mount Zion Cemetery, Dora, New Mexico. Pallbearers will include Troy Gammill, Richie Thompson, Clifford Gunn, Ryan McCollum, Layne Presley and Talen Crist. The family requests memorial contributions to the NM Christian Children's Home, 1356 NM 236; Portales, NM 88130. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM (575) 355-2311.To place an online tribute or sign the guestbook, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com