A long-time business owner, Zeda Lindell Sunderwirth, was promoted to her heavenly home on September 30, 2011 at the age of 98 years, 7 months and 2 3 days at Truman Lake Manor where she had resided for the past four years.
Zeda was born in Henry County, Mo February 7, 1913 to James Ora and Ora Belle Chastain Rains. The family moved to Schell City, Mo where Zeda graduated from high school. She was a star basketball player, setting a record for her team. She said she couldn’t jump worth a flip, but sure could hit the basket! Her first job was a telephone operator. She enjoyed this job and was able to latch on to all the news first hand.
At age 19 years she was saved in a Baptist revival. She loved people and had a servant’s heart. She daily witnessed about the Lord Jesus.
In May , 1937 she married Roy F. Sunderwirth of Rockville, Mo. They moved to Osceola and opened Sunderwirth IGA Grocery. To this union three children were born; Richard F., Z. Gail, and James David (Jim).
Roy and Zeda joined the Osceola Assembly of God Church, and were faithful members as long as their health permitted. Zeda had a burden for young people and enjoyed teaching Sunday School. She had a wonderful sense of humor, believing “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”
In 1960, Roy and Zeda moved to Kansas City, Mo. Roy was employed by Crown Drug Company. In 1962 they moved back to Osceola and opened the Osceola Laundromat. Zeda continued to operate this business until she was 80 years of age, and she continued driving, around town, until 90. She never met a stranger and considered everyone a friend. Grandma Zeda was also a wonderful cook, as was evidenced by her children, grandchildren, and loyal customers at the Bus Station Café.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Ora and Ora Belle Rains; husband, Roy; sister, Zepha Ball; two brothers, Jim Rains and “Buster” Rains; son-in-law, Joe Ingle; granddaughter, Krystal Ingle Davis; grandson, Richard Wayne Sunderwirth; and great-grandson, Richard Dobin (Scoop) Sunderwirth. Zeda is survived by sons; Richard and wife Neta Ruth Sunderwirth of Osceola; James David (Jim) and wife Dianne Sunderwirth of Port. St. Lucie, Fl; daughter Z. Gail Ingle, of Osceola; six grandchildren, Dr. Kent Ingle and wife Karen, of Lakeland, Fl. Laneta and Rick Watts, of Cozahome, Ar. Tina and J.R. Leiber of Osceola. Devin and Samantha Sunderwirth, of Port St. Lucie, Fl., Jonathan and Megan Sunderwirth, of Hickory, N.C., and Preston and Leydi Sunderwirth, of Pensacola, Fl. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren, cousins, and many friends. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.
Leave a Reply