Zelma Faye (Melton) Rupp

Class of 1951

1951 Maroon SpotlightZelma Melton
Zelma Melton

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.

Zelma was preceded in death by her parents, John Melton & Mary League; her sisters, Dorene Snider and Shirley Webb; and her grandson, Justin Weinkauf.

Funeral services to honor the life of Zelma Faye Rupp 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.