Dinzel Zemko

Dinzel passed away on July 31 where she lived in Sisters, at the age of 103. She was born on April 23, 1920 in Bristol, Oklahoma. She was the last survivor of seven brothers and sisters and daughter to Wiley and Minnie Neal. She was known by her father as Din Doodle and by her brothers as Dink. We called her Nana.

The matriarch of our family is survived by her daughters Deanna Sabbato of Springfield, Oregon and Diane Mulnix of Rancho Cucamonga, California. She is also survived by her grandchildren Lori (Dan) Flanders, Shaun Burnette, Kevin (Kelly) Sabbato, Erika Burlingame, and Dionne (Adam) Keeler. Dinzel had 11 great-grandchildren: Chelsea Clark, Seth Flanders, Austin Smith, Jacob Sabbato, Peyton Burnette, Sydney Sabbato, Blake Sabbato, Tyler Burlingame, Brianna Burlingame, Abigale Keeler, and Emma Keeler. Lastly she is survived by three great-great-grandchildren; Dani Lynn Clark, Roisin Clark, and Astrid Smith-Acevedo.

Dinzel was married in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma and moved to California looking for a new start. After overcoming some of life's challenges, Dinzel was not about to feel sorry for herself. She took on many different fields of employment. Some, but not all skills included picking cotton and grading oranges at Sunkist. She also worked at Newberry's 5-and-10-cent store. While working at a food manufacturing facility, the plant was transitioned to a factory to support war efforts where she continued to help. She also managed an upscale women's clothing department store, which is fitting as she was always dressed so nicely.

Faith was a major contributor toward Dinzel's livelihood. As a young adult she had a calling to visit those who were in need of family, especially those who were ill and without. She would visit those in need and send cards of encouragement. Dinzel was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church since the 1980s and was a member of a quilting circle that made comfort items for shelters. She continued this ministry well into her 80s. Dinzel continued her role as a prayer warrior until the day she died.

Some of Dinzel's favorite things were flowers, birds, and keeping her hands busy with endless hours or crochet, word search, and embroidery.

A special thanks to Dan and Lori Flanders for their selfless acts of love and care during Dinzel's last chapter of her life.

A service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church in Springfield on Saturday August 12 at 11 a.m.