Class of 1951
1951 Maroon Spotlight
Zelma Melton
1951 Graduation EditionPerry Daily Journal
Zelma Faye Melton plans to be married immediately after graduation. Miss Melton, 17, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Wallingford. This is her first year to attend Perry schools. She attended Sumner school during her freshman year, Ponca City school during her sophomore year, and Tulsa Central and Sumner during her junior year.
Zelma Faye (Melton) Rupp
September 1, 1933 – March 20, 2021
Zelma Faye Rupp of Perry, Oklahoma, passed away Saturday, March 20, 2021, at Perry Memorial Hospital at the age of 87 years, 6 months, and 19 days.
Zelma was born in Perry on September 1, 1933, to the late John Edgar Melton and Mary Arminta League. Zelma made Noble County her home all her life. She graduated from Perry High School in 1951.
On May 25, 1951, Zelma married the love of her life, Richard Rupp, a union that would last 58 wonderful years. Zelma was a caregiver and a homemaker. Zelma at the age of 9 began taking care of her siblings. She carried on this tradition of caring for others by babysitting her grandchildren and cooking and baking for church dinners. She was famous for her cinnamon rolls and her macaroni and cheese.
She was active in the Lutheran Church where she volunteered anytime she was needed. Zelma was a member of WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) for many years.
Zelma leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Mary Weinkauf and husband Bob, Perry; brother, Garland (Tony) Melton, Perry; grandchildren, Bobijo Weinkauf, Beki Gibson and Matthew Weinkauf and wife Chelsea; and great-grandchildren Renzi Nelson, Teague Nelson, Arelia Gibson and Wyatt Weinkauf.
Preceding her in death were her parents, John Melton & Mary League; her sisters, Dorene Snider and Shirley Webb; and her grandson, Justin Weinkauf.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 25, at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church east of Perry with Pastors Peter Olsen and Dan Thimell officiating. Interment will follow in Zion Lutheran Cemetery.