RAPID CITY - Thelma A. (Chappell) Zeller was born on Aug. 16, 1917, to William and Gula (Wiltbank) Chappell in Dallas, SD. She passed into eternity on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, at the Victorian Assisted Living Center in Rapid City. Thelma was raised on a homestead east of Dallas and graduated from Dallas High School. After high school she worked for the Gregory County Conservation Office in Burke. Thelma was married to Raymond W. Zeller on Oct. 3, 1940, in Chadron, Neb., and they resided in Rapid City. After her three sons were in school, she started a second career as "The Avon Lady" to the women who live in the Mountain View area of Rapid City. While in Rapid City she became a member of the Lutheran church, and served faithfully in the women's ministries in LWML and with ladies aid. One of her greatest joys was in helping with the annual Christmas bazaar. Her love of God was also shown in her devotion to the Bible and the women's Bible studies. Thelma's rural roots were shown in her love of gardening. Her rose garden brought her much joy. Thelma also was active in various extension clubs, holding many different offices. Thelma is survived by two sons, Kenneth Zeller, Seattle, Wash., and Gary (Cindy) Zeller, Rapid City; one daughter-in-law, Kathy Zeller, Elko, Nev.; two grandchildren, Connie (Mark), Salt Lake City, and Steven (Connie), Elko; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Arlo Paetznick, Middle River, MN; one brother, Gene (Barb) Chappell, Spokane, WA; one sister-in-law, Viola Zeller, Gregory; and many nieces and nephews. Waiting to meet Thelma in heaven are her husband, Raymond, her son, Weldon, her sister, Dorothy, and her parents. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Josh Jones and the Rev. William Paepke officiating. Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Memorials have been established for Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Victorian Assisted Living Center. The family wishes to express their thanks to all the staff at the Victorian for the loving care they have provided. And a special thank you to Karen, Casey, John, Nita and Rosie for going the extra mile for Mom.