Katherine Marie (Peters) Zion

Katherine Marie Zion passed away on August 22, 2020, at the age of 96.

Katherine was born on October 29, 1923, at the family home in Vernon to Ernst and Dina (Wesemann) Peters. She was the second to youngest of twelve children.

On November 3, 1940, Katherine married Gerald Zion in St Francis, Kansas. They celebrated their 70 ^th wedding anniversary right before Gerald’s passing in 2010. The couple had five children.

She was an incredibly strong woman from what is known as America’s greatest generation. She was raised on a farm near Vernon, Colorado. After she married Gerald they bought a farm and later a ranch north of Idalia and raised their family there. Throughout her years, she was a very active community member.

Her hobbies and interest were endless. She loved cooking, baking, quilting, embroidering, gardening, canning, playing cards, making friends, and caring for her family.

All of her grandchildren lovingly referred to her as Grandma K. She always had a kind word and gentle spirit, yet would set you straight when needed. It would be rare for her to visit her kids or grandkids without bringing angel food cake, cookies, banana bread, pies, homemade noodles, bread, cinnamon rolls, chokecherry jelly, main dishes, or some combination of the above. When you ate them, you could simply feel the love.

Late in life, Gerald and Katherine moved to Wray. She continued many of her passions and treasured her new friendships.

The saying that the world would be a better place if they sat around the table and snapped more beans with Grandma fits her very well.

She is preceded in death by her husband, infant son Terry, and son Larry, her parents, and 10 siblings.

She is survived by her children: Judith (Larry) French, Rickey Zion, Ronda (John) Monheiser, and daughter-in-law Crystal Zion.

Grandchildren: Hope (Jim) Luthi, Tiffany (Theo) Demos, Cindy (Brad) Boppre, Cory (Megan) Zion, Sheena (Guy) Terrell, Brook (Kevin) Gummere, Adam Monheiser, Mason (Kodi) Monheiser, Alex (Alexis) Monheiser.

Great-grandchildren: Ryker Swensen, Megan Boppre, Tyler (Mia) Boppre, Tayler (Kevin) Wehrer, Coy and Bex Zion, Tellis, Sevestiani, and Achillos Demos, Brady and Kaden Terrell, Braxton and Brixley Monheiser, Hagen, Matthew, and Tyslee Monheiser.

Great-great Grandchildren: Jett Boppre and Beau Boppre

Sister: Opal Cantrell and many nieces and nephews.

Special friends: Pete and BJ Wilson, Marsha Wiley, the Friday Card Club Ladies, and so many many more.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 29, at 10:00 in the morning, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Idalia, Colorado. Masks are recommended.

Interment will be at the Glendale Cemetery in Vernon, Colorado.

Memorials may be made to the Idalia Visions Scholarship.

Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.