ZIMMERMAN, Lori Gaye (FITCH)

FITCH, ZIMMERMAN, WALTERS, WALKER, YOUNG, MCINTTIRE, LAYTON, SCOTT, SEMLER, HALVERSON

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 10/25/2014 at 15:14:33

Obituary ~ Lori Gaye (Fitch) Zimmerman
May 18, 1961 ~ July 25, 2013

Leon Journal-Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa

Lori Gaye Zimmerman, age 52 of Leon, Iowa, daughter of Clarence Wilbur "Bill" and Velma Louise (Walters) Fitch, was born May 18, 1961 in Leon. Following a courageous battle with cancer, Lori died at home on July 25, 2013 surrounded by her family.

Lori lived her life in Leon and attended Central Decatur Schools. Following graduation, she attended college in Hannibal, Missouri for a year. She then received her CNA training at Southwestern Community College in Creston.

Lori married Rodney Lee Zimmerman on August 27, 1983 at Calvary Baptist Church in Leon. They were blessed with two children, son Joshua Lee and daughter Kelli Ann.

Lori worked at the Decatur County Hospital and at Leon Care Center. She then became a caregiver in her home for people in need. Because she liked kids, Lori also provided home day care for numerous children in the community.

Lori was a member of Trinity Christian Church, where she tended the nursery and taught Sunday School for first and second graders. Lori loved going to church and spending time with her family at home. She loved her family very much and was so proud of Josh and Kelli. Lori also enjoyed reading and talking with friends.

Shortly before she died, Lori and Rodney renewed their wedding vows for their 30th anniversary. This ceremony, conducted by Pastor Terry Roberts, was held at their home with family, church family, and friends present.

Preceding Lori in death were her parents, Bill and Velma Fitch; her parents-in-law, Curtis and Hazel Zimmerman; cousins Mindy Walker and Lorna Young; brothers-in-law Larry Zimmerman and Eugene McIntire; and good friend Kelle Layton.

Surviving are her husband Rodney Zimmerman of Leon; son Josh Zimmerman of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; daughter Kelli Zimmerman of Des Moines, Iowa; brothers Ron Fitch and wife Jean of Moses Lake, Washington and David Fitch of Leon; cousin Denyse Scott and her family; friends Joe and Dori Semler, and Vicky Halverson; aunts and uncles; cousins; and many friends.

Funeral services were 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2013 at Trinity Christian Church west of Decatur, Iowa with Rev. Terry Roberts officiating. Cremation followed her service, with burial at a later date in Trinity Hills Cemetery.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2014