Zela M. Cortese

Zela M. Cortese, 98 of Fort Sumner, NM died Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at BeeHive Homes of Clovis. Zela was born December 18, 1911 in Pyote, Texas to the home of Michael O. Glisson and the former Myrtle McDaniel. She was raised at Endee, NM and graduated from Crosbyton High School in Crosbyton, TX in 1929. Zela married H.G.(Shorty) Milson at Tucumcari, NM in 1929, he preceded her in death in 1974. She married Joe Cortese in 1975; he preceded her in death in 1998. Zela enjoyed country life and was a valued “ranch hand” and helpmate. She also worked as a clerk at Frank’s Country Store in Fort Sumner for 17 years. Zela was a resident of Fort Sumner since 1944. She was active in the community where she served as Past State Treasurer of the Soil Conservation Auxiliary and was chosen as Woman of the Year; was a member of the Order of Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron; member of Powderhorn Cowbelles; served on the boards of NM Boys Ranch, NM Baptist Children’s Home, and Mesa Redondo Camp Meeting. Zela was active in her church, First Baptist, since 1950. During her membership of First Baptist Church she served as Director of Younger Children and Sunday school teacher. She faithfully worked in Vacation Bible School and served on numerous committees. She was preceded in death by, a son Harlan Milson in 1971; three brothers, Jack Glisson, Lee Glisson, and Wayne Glisson; two sisters, Geraldine Hyder and Alice Worsham; stepsons, Gerald Don Cortese and Joseph Cortese; grandson Harlan(Buddy)Milson; step-grandson Joe Don Cortese. Survivors include a sister Ruby Montgomery of Dixon, TN, granddaughter Tammy Chamberlain of Albuquerque, NM, sisters-in-law Dorothy Cortese of Albuquerque, and Elizabeth (Lib) Cortese of Fort Sumner, step-daughters-in-law LouAnn Cortese of Fort Sumner and Goldee Cortese of San Juan Capistrano, CA, six great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, October 16, 2010, First Baptist Church Fort Sumner, NM. with Rev. Jim Peabody and Rev. Nathan Lawrence officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers: Ralph W. (Buddy) Cortese, Nick Cortese, Knox Cortese, Jay Cortese, Sam Cortese, Eddie Ratliff, Jeff Cortese. Honorary Pallbearers: First Baptist Church Deacons Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Fort Sumner, NM Baptist Children’s Home or Fort Sumner Cemetery Association. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-3211. To place an online tribute or sign the guestbook please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com