Zelma Bernice Alexander

Zelma Bernice Alexander, of Steelville, MO, was born on Wednesday, June 5, 1946, in St. Louis City, MO, to George A. Alexander and Zelma “Bernice” Alexander, nee Capling.  She passed away at Steelville Senior Living on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the age of 78 years, 10  months and 2 days.

Zelma graduated from Bourbon High School in 1964.  She later married Larry Ray Garrison and to this union, six children were born.  Zelma enjoyed playing on the computer, taking pictures and listening to music.  She particularly enjoyed watching the birds.  Most of all, Zelma loved her family and spending time with them.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Alexander; mother and step-father, Bernice and Virgil Hayes; children, Timmy Garrison, Mary Garrison Clark, Mindy Brenton and stillborn daughter, Michelle Garrison; brothers, Otis Hayes, Robert Hayes and Roger Hayes; twin siblings; brothers-in-law, Jim Golden and Glen Young.

Zelma is survived by her daughters, Tammy Miller of Leetonia, OH and Amanda Schlitt of Steelville, MO; grandchildren, Valerie (Dalton) Hatton and Austin (Jordan) Rippinger both of Houston, MO, Kayla Rippinger of Success, MO, Bobbi Rippinger Hord of Willow Springs, MO, Brenden Rippinger and Tori (Michael) Gray both of Springfield, MO, Andrea Brenton of Cuba, MO, Jesse Woodall of Davisville, MO, Auna Perry of Independence, MO, Jonathan Woodall of Joplin, MO, Mandy (Christopher) Eckler of House Springs, MO, Kristen (Jimmy) Camden of Bixby, MO, Courtney Garrison, Autumn Garrison and Brandon Garrison all of Steelville, MO, Brittany Bridges of Raymond, IL, Nicholas Jamieson of Raytown, KS, Cameron Jamieson of Rolla, MO, Ray Miller Jr of Warren, OH and Heather Inman of Mountain Home, ID; siblings, Virgil Hayes and Edith (Ed) Massey both of Cuba, MO, David Hayes of Bourbon, MO, Don Hayes of Licking, MO, James Hayes and Curtis (Tasha) Hayes both of Steelville, MO, Noah Hayes of Houston, MO, Daisy Abbott of Farmington, MO, Connie Golden of KS and Jane Young of AR; many great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family chose cremation as her final disposition and will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, MO.

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