Zelma Lou Rockwood Edwards

Zelma Lou Rockwood passed from this life surrounded by her loving family on September 6, 2026. She made her grand entrance into the world on Friday, February 18, 1938, on a small farm in Little Flock, Arkansas. She was the firstborn daughter of Mary and Warren Rockwood. Before long, Zelma became a big sister to Barbara Jean, who would also become her built-in best friend for life.

Zelma and Barbara, affectionately known as” Elmer” and "Bob," grew up on the family farm and embraced everything that came with country life. When they weren’t climbing trees or scooping up tadpoles, they helped their parents with growing their own food, making their own clothes, and caring for cattle and chickens. Among all her farm treasures, Zelma’s favorite was her prized horse, Shorty.

Being a country girl never kept Zelma from appreciating life's finer things. Thanks to the talented hands of her sweet mother, she was often the prettiest girl in the room, dressed in beautiful handmade dresses that looked straight out of a designer catalog.

Zelma graduated from Bentonville High School, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen and was known as one of the kindest girls in school. At a Rogers-Bentonville basketball game, she caught the eye of a shy, handsome young man named Dickie Ray Edwards. After the game, Dick asked if he could drive Zelma home, and she happily said yes.

You might think the rest was history, but Zelma had big plans. After graduation, she moved to Tulsa with her cousin and accepted a position with Rockwell as an administrative assistant, leaving Dick behind in Arkansas. Fortunately, it didn't take long for Dick to realize Zelma was worth following. In 1956, he moved to Tulsa, took a job with Sun Oil, and began building a future with the woman he loved.

Dick and Zelma were married on October 12, 1957, at one of Zelma's favorite places in the world: her parents' farm.

The newlyweds settled into a small home and began what can only be described as a remarkable love story spanning nearly seven decades. Their marriage was built on love, commitment, sacrifice, laughter, faith, and an unwavering devotion to one another.

Together they welcomed two sons, John and Joe, who brought immeasurable joy to Zelma's life. She poured her heart into motherhood, serving as a Scout leader, homeroom mom, Sunday school teacher, and youth leader. She loved being a boy mom and cherished every stage of raising her sons.

Eventually, John and Joe found loves of their own in Amy and Dana, and blessed Dick and Zelma with five incredible grandchildren: Jace, Kaylee, Reece, Jordan, and Cameron. These grandchildren were one of the greatest blessings of Zelma's life. She adored each of them and delighted in every opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, cheer them on, and spend time together.

If you knew Zelma, you knew she had an adventurous spirit. She loved to travel and was always ready to convince Dick to board another plane. Together, they crisscrossed the globe, creating unforgettable memories alongside their dear friends Ester and Johnny Custer & Becky and Vadon Wyatt.

Zelma was a beautiful and thoughtful soul. She loved deeply, never met a stranger, loved to interview anyone who agreed to be a willing participant and most importantly, she had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. Her laughter could brighten any room, and she faced life's challenges with remarkable grace

Zelma was a bold and beautiful light in this world. She never hesitated to brag about her boys, grandchildren, or her beloved Dickie Ray. Most importantly, she was never shy about sharing her faith and the hope she found in her Lord and Savior.

Thank you, Zelma, for the legacy of love, faith, kindness, and joy. You lived life to the fullest, always kept an open door, and were committed to serving others. Your hospitable nature allowed Gods light to shine through you onto others. Your impact will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know and love you.

Zelma loved flowers but her heart rejoiced in serving others.

In lieu of flowers, we would be honored if you would please remember Zelma by making a gift to Hope Center of Tulsa, a place where Zelma supported faithfully for many years.