Zelpha Irwin was born December 28, 1916 to Russell and Bessie (Roney) Irwin on the Irwin family farm. Her name, Zelpha, means “One in Charge.” Zelpha began her education in country school. As was the custom of that time, she traveled to school by horse. At the age of 16, Zelpha won a Blue Ribbon for her performance of the Highland Fling. She began a lifelong love of music at an early age. She first played the alto saxophone, and her father sold the stone boat to buy her a tenor sax that she would go on to play into her 90s. She continued her education in Langdon where she graduated in the Langdon High School Class of 1934. She went on to Valley City State Teachers College where she obtained her teaching certificate. Zelpha was interested in nursing, but couldn’t attend school until she was 21, so she began teaching country school. The salary was $80 per month, and she lived in a teacherage while teaching at the Grey Township School. Zelpha remembered the many Karo Syrup cans with peanut butter sandwiches in them for the children’s lunches.
When Zelpha turned 21, she applied to the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and was accepted. She moved to Baltimore, Maryland and entered the Johns Hopkins program where she enjoyed living in the women’s dorm, playing music and attending dances. It was during one of those dances that Richard Stalker asked her to marry him on the roof of the women’s dorm. Zelpha graduated from Johns Hopkins in 1941 and worked as a nurse in Washington D.C.
Zelpha and Richard “R.D.” Stalker were married November 18, 1941 in Abraham Lincoln’s Church in Washington D.C. Dick entered the United States Army, and the couple moved to Texas. In 1946, they moved to the Irwin family farm where they farmed and raised their family of four children: Betty Jean, Mary Christine, Janet Lee and Robert Irwin. During the 1970’s missile years, Zelpha worked as the elementary school secretary. She was a long time Director of Nursing at the Maple Manor Nursing Home. Zelpha was active in the Langdon Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School, directed the choir, and played organ for many Sunday services. Dick passed away in August of 1979. Zelpha married Ernie Malo on August 30, 1980. They made their home in Langdon, and she gained three step-sons. Ernie passed away September 22, 1988.
Zelpha’s love of music continued throughout her life. Zelpha enjoyed being a member of a dance band as a senior citizen when she spent winters in the south. She was a part of many concerts, including her last public appearance, at the age of 85. She received a standing ovation. Just last fall, at the age of 93, she played for the Maple Manor birthday party.
She had many interests, including gardening and dandelion digging. She was a wonderful pie maker and bridge player. She enjoyed curling, knitting and crocheting.
Zelpha is survived by her children: Betty Fetzer of Langdon, ND, Kristy (Ken) Forest of Wales, ND, Bob (Billie) Stalker of Ogallala, NE; grandchildren: Shelby Munsterman, Heidi Fetzer (Special friend Todd Morgan), Lindsey (Andy) Mehlhoff, Kori (Shaun) Deal, Kacy Forest (Bryan Kakela), Kevin (Nicole) Forest, Kelsi Stalker, Tammy Roth (Bill Clark), Lisa Trujillo, Ann Marie (Dan) Balon; great grandchildren: Rylie Munsterman, Eyan and Claire Mehlhoff, Lauren Ballweg, Madilyn and Jordyn Deal, Ava and Brody Steinmetz, Abby and Kennen Forest, and one on the way, Melanee Burke, Darian, Teigan and Alexia Trujillo, Maddox Balon; step-children: Michael (Carol) Malo, Patrick (Barb) Malo, Jack (Sheri) Malo; step-grandchildren: Suzanne (Lee) Fuller, Kathie (Tom) Grace, David Malo, Danielle Muollo, Michael Malo; and sister-in-law: Helen Vance of Illinois, Vivian’s family: Jean Baird, Jill Baird, Jackie (Chad) Osowski, Julie Baird, and Greg Baird.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dick and husband Ernie, daughter Jan, son-in-law Ron Fetzer, her parents, infant brother Vernon, dear sister Vivian (Earl) Baird, and nephew Jim Baird.
Zelpha passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon at the age of 94.
She was our beloved, our Zelpha, our “one in charge.”
VISITATION will take place from 3 to 7pm Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the Brooks Funeral Home of Langdon, ND. Visitation will also take place for one hour before the time of the services at the church on Monday.
SERVICES Monday, May 16, 2011 at 11:00am at the Presbyterian church of Langdon with the Reverend Adrian Olson Officiation.
INTERMENT Lebanon Cemetery, Langdon, ND.
