Zelma Ilene McClish was born May 2nd 1923 in Lagrange, Indiana to Earl and Beatrice Halsey.  Zelma and her twin Thelma were a part of the very large family that consisted of 13 children in total. Zelma's mother passed away at the young age of 36 and that is when her step-mother Ethel came into her life.

Zelma met James Edward McClish at the Leonidas Dance Hall where Rem Wall was playing.  They immediately hit it off and were married in Mendon and brought 7 children into the world: Evelyn, Beverly, Jim, Earl, Cindy, Mike and Randy.  Zelma's family continued to grow as she gained more and more grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren.  She was beloved by all who met her.  Zelma enjoyed going to the casino, going dancing, going up north to the cabin, and most of all- visiting with her large family.  Zelma went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 19th.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband James, her daughter Evelyn and son Jim.  She left a legacy that will never be forgotten and will live on through her family.

"You are gone, but we thank you for all these soft, sweet things you left behind. In our homes, in our heads, in our hearts.  The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you shall never pass away.  She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible"

A graveside service for Zelma will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Beard Cemetery (16990 S. 38th Street, Mendon, MI 49072) at 4:00pm.  Following the graveside, a dinner will take place at the Colon American Legion (122 E. State Street, Colon, MI 49040).  Condolences and memories may be expressed to her family at eickhofffuneralhome.com