Zelda Ruth Maggart
Dr. Zelda Ruth Maggart (Opdyke) 90, passed peacefully on Monday, November 19, 2018 after battling Alzheimer’s for 7 years. She was born in Ridgeway, MO on November 1, 1928, married her husband Harley Maggart in Kirksville, MO on March 6, 1948, and moved to Albuquerque in1950.
She is survived by son, Stephen Maggart (Linda) of Albuquerque; grandchildren, James, Joshua, and Timothy Woodward (Katy) of Albuquerque; Jon Maggart (Erin) of Maryland; Dr. Drue Webb of Montana; Brie Page (Tim) of Nevada; great grandchildren, Tyler Maggart, Riley and Ryder Page; sisters-in-law, Agnes Opdyke, Wilma Carter (Al); nephews Frank Opdyke (Sharon), Ken Opdyke (Ginger), Roger Maggart, Gerry Foster (Glenda), Max Gooch (Marjorie), Kevin Gooch (Rebecca); nieces Ruth Curry, Kay Maggart, Linda Durham.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Harley Maggart; daughter, Deborah Woodward (Maggart); son, David Maggart; brother, Charles Opdyke; and parents, Grace (Shaver) and Lee Opdyke.
Zelda was an amazing and accomplished woman of strong Christian faith. She joined St. John’s United Methodist Church in Albuquerque in 1952 where she lived her faith through service and established many lifelong friendships.
Zelda received her undergraduate degree from Northeast Missouri State University in 1950, her Master’s Degree from UNM in Elementary Education in 1965, and her Ph.D. in Speech Pathology from UNM in 1971. Zelda’s career in education spanned more than 67 years. She started as an elementary school teacher, became a nationally recognized Professor in the field of reading, retired as Professor Emeritus from UNM and then continued teaching graduate classes for New Mexico Highlands University until she was 83. In addition to her full-time teaching, she authored numerous textbooks and professional articles, presented numerous papers, conducted research, managed the Manzañita Reading Center, received many professional awards, and taught evening and summer classes in many locations including her favorite, Frobisher Bay, NWT, Canada.
We want to express our gratitude to the staff at The Retreat in Rio Rancho who loved and cared for Zelda and treated us like family in the last years of her life.
On November 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. a reception brunch will be held in the Family Life Center at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona NE. This will be the opportunity for fellowship, greeting the family, and sharing memories of Zelda. The memorial service will follow in the sanctuary at 11:30 a. m. with Rev. Dr. Pam Rowley officiating. Interment will follow at Sandia Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association of New Mexico. Please visit our online guest book for Zelda at www.frenchfunerals.com.