Hilda Mae Statom Zahnd was born in Black Oak, Arkansas on April 13, 1923, to Price and Muncie Statom. She went to be with her Lord on April 13, 2017, on the eve of her 94th birthday.
Hilda Mae lived her entire life in Lauderdale County. She graduated from Central High School in 1940 and attended Larimore Business College.
On Sept. 6, 1940, Hilda Mae married the love of her life, Earl Douglas (Zeke) Zahnd. She was a dedicated and loving wife to him for 64 years. She honored her “for better or worse” vows to Zeke the duration of her marriage. Zeke called Hilda Mae his “little woman”; after all, she was only four foot eleven inches tall.
Her sweet spirit and forgiving nature won her lifetime friendships. She was the most loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, daughter, and sister that everyone wishes they had.
Hilda Mae’s hobby was her family. She honored and supported not only her immediate family but her extended family all of her life.
Hilda Mae had four sisters: Lois Katherine, Dolly Frances, Betty Ruth, and Mallie Jo. It has been told that the five little Statom sisters were the prettiest girls in Lauderdale County.
She was a member at Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ all of her adult life. After moving to Merrill Gardens, Sherrod Avenue held church services there, and she attended for almost nine years. Her church continued to serve her for the past four years after her move to Mitchell Hollingsworth Nursing Home.
Hilda Mae was preceded in death by her parents, John Price Statom and Venetta Muncie Sharp Statom; husband, Earl Douglas (Zeke) Zahnd; son, Earl Douglas (Dougie) Zahnd Jr.; son, Philip Gene Zahnd; granddaughter, Ashley Nikole (Niki) Zahnd; brother, Nolan Statom; and sisters, Lois Katherine Hodges, Dolly Frances Hickman, and Betty Ruth James.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Judy Montgomery Zahnd; grandsons, Gino, Elliot, Aubrey, Trey, Todd, and Taz Zahnd; granddaughter, Ariana Lynn Zahnd; other grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Mallie Jo Campbell; brother, John Price (JP) Statom; and nieces and nephews.
Hilda Mae’s family would like to thank all the staff and Mitchell Hollingsworth Nursing Home for the love and care they gave her for the past four years.
Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Her service will be held at Greenview Funeral Home today. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. in the Greenview Memorial Chapel with Pastor Charlie Meek officiating.
An online guest book may be viewed and signed at greenviewmemorial.com.
Arrangements are by Greenview Funeral Home.
