Velma Dolores Zeigler, 91, of rural Churubusco, died peacefully at her home at 12:31 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2021.

Born April 26, 1929, in Jefferson Twp., Whitley County, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Jessie B. and Velma (Crawford) Nicodemus. Growing up in Union Twp., Whitley County, she attended Coesse High School.

On October 5, 1946, she married Ralph Zeigler. They always made their home in Whitley County. Ralph died on October 13, 2011.

She was a full-time homemaker raising the couple's five sons and assisting on the farm. For years, she was the place to go for a haircut, her fee - a hug.

Always gracious and appreciative, family was her focus. She is remembered for delicious noodles and a large vegetable garden that she canned and served throughout the year. The 4H fair was an annual event with the kids. No day was complete without a bit of evening ice cream – homemade if possible, completed by saying "that's the best."

In her senior years, she became talented with color pencil drawing. Enjoying all school sports, she was partial to IU Basketball.

She was a member of the Collins United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her children, Mike (Charlene) Zeigler, Churubusco, Danny (Marcia) Zeigler, Churubusco, Dale (Joni) Zeigler, Fort Wayne, Norman (Cathy) Zeigler, Fort Wayne, and Randall (Mary) Zeigler, Ligonier; 17 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; brothers, Ronald Nicodemus, Churubusco and Larry (Alice) Nicodemus, South Whitley; and a sister, Marilyn Gross, Churubusco.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by sisters, Sharon Diffendarfer and Elaine Guiff; and brothers, Keith, Kenneth, Gail, Glen, and Jay Nicodemus.

The funeral service is 11:00 a.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation is 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Collins United Methodist Church or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.