Zelma Lou Leeds, 87, of Kingsland, Texas passed away February 4, 2019. She was born to Youie Zelmar and Mary Lou (Chester) McClintock in their family home north of Electra, Texas on the banks of the Red River on July 15, 1931.

Zelma started working at a young age. When she was fifteen, her mother got sick and Zelma quit school to take over her mother's position at a casket factory as well as taking a major role in raising her siblings. In the mid 1960's, Zelma went to work in her husband's body shop. She would help with all the daily tasks, sanding, prepping, keeping the books, and many other daily operations except for spraying paint. In 1974, Zelma graduated at the top of her vocational nursing class. Nursing and taking care of others would be her calling for many years to come.

She enjoyed quilting and was very talented in it. She made many Bible themed quilts for her family and would put them together by hand with the precision of a machine. On her grandchildren's second birthdays, they received their own special quilt that will be treasured for the rest of their lives. She enjoyed pastel and oil painting, tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, and was a voracious reader of classic literature.

Zelma is survived by her daughters, Helen Petty of Austin, Texas, Laura Leeds of Kingsland, Texas, and Jeanette Cooney and husband Michael of Pinedale, Wyoming, sons, Chester Leeds of Kingsland, Texas and Richard Leeds and wife Sharla of Houston, Texas, grandchildren, Samantha Alexander, James Huse II, Jonathon Huse, Ann Marie Osborn, Mary Magnuson, Susannah Clark, Frederick Cooney, Elizabeth Cooney, John Cooney, Brandon Leeds, Justin Leeds, Jeramy Leeds, Alan Joseph Leeds, and Tanna Leeds, sisters, Geraldine Cox, and Gloria June Umscheid. Twenty-two great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends also survive.

She is preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Otis E. Leeds, her parents and sister, Patsy Lee McKinney.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. An online guest register may be signed at www. PutnamCares.com