Zelma Ann Mason, “Big Z,” was born on September 24, 1937 to Albert “Howard” Culbertson and Flora Gladue. Zelma attended school in Poplar, MT, where she also resided most of her life. Zelma worked as a waitress in her early adult years. She worked in many different jobs but the ones she enjoyed were with the Head Start Program and the Ft. Peck Detention Center. She worked several years as a Head Start teacher, and cherished all of her students. At the detention center, she worked as a cook – her coworkers and the inmates enjoyed her cooking, and she enjoyed their company.
Zelma loved attending bingo every night at the Poplar Activity Center. Her best moments were spent at home around her kitchen table with loved ones, and a cigarette in her hand. Her door was always open to nieces, nephews, and family friends. If Zelma could not be found at home, she could be found at Tribal Express or T.J’s gambling and swearing like a sailor if she didn’t win.
Zelma moved to the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, MT in April of 2008. She spent the rest of her years there. She loved the staff, and they loved her crazy, witty personality. Zelma was known for her jokes, harsh criticisms, and her love for music, especially Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Charlie Pride, and many, many more.
Zelma is proceeded in death by her sister Luanne, mother Flora, father Howard, her beloved brother in law, Scotty Azure, grandmothers, grandfathers, many aunts, uncles, and longtime friends, Odessa Fourstar, Debbie Johnson, and Coretta Youngman.
Zelma is survived by her children – Dodi (Dale) of Geyser, MT, Dennis (Cindy) Christiansen of Billings, MT, Debbie (Keith) Wallace of Billings, MT. Grandchildren who she thought the world of – Meagan (Tony) Schiffer of Billings, MT, Stephanie (Tony) Brown of Las Vegas, NV, Brandy (Ben) Carrywater of Harlem, MT, Thomas and Tyler Christiansen of Billings, MT, and her baby, Nicole Bernard of Geyser, MT. Great Grandchildren who were her pride and joy – Shayl, Shya, and Sawyer.
Zelma is also survived by her siblings – Gloreen (Bill) Strauser of Poplar, MT, Albert Culbertson Jr. of Littleton, CO, Jackie (Pete) Sandoval of Poplar, MT, Sandra (Warren) Albertson of Rapid City, SD, Joe (Charlene) Culbertson of Poplar, MT, Carol (Rodney) Azure of Poplar, MT, Special Cousin, Harold James Culbertson of Albuquerque, NM, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
A prayer service will be held 7 p.m. Friday, February 19 at the Cultural Center in Poplar. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, February 20 at the Cultural Center in Poplar. Interment will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery in Poplar. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday February 20, 2016
Poplar Cultural Center
Poplar, MT 59255
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday February 20, 2016
Poplar Cultural Center
Poplar, MT 59255
Traci LeVay-Holt says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Big “Z” and family. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.
Al Bets His Medicine says
Dodi I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. It’s hard to lose a mother. I pray that God will give you strength at this time..
Deborah L. Ricker says
Asking My Creator for Much Strength, Support, Comfort and Love for Family & Friends of Zelma’s – So Sorry Dodi Lynn, Dennis and Debbie Doo – Thank You Zelma for Your Friendship and Love – Thank You for playing Cupid and introducing My Dad Bob Martin to My Mom Joy Lanell Stafne You KNEW they were Soulmates…Zelma Spoke Her Mind, Loved to Tease and Was A Loving, Protective, Strong and Hard Working Woman….Thanks Big Z for All the Memories Which We Shall Cherish and Hold Close to Our Hears…..I Love U Big Z – the dobis
Ken Heathman says
My mom Roseann Shields went to school with Zelma. Great friends! My mom hopes for a great a journey to Heaven, which passed loved ones are. Jesus, GOD take her with open arms and grace !! May God let her next journey be a loved one with great love and happiness!! Love-Roseann and Kenny Heathman?
Helen Bighorn says
Wishing Big Z’s family strength, hope and unity. My second work experience was working with Big Z at Head Start many years ago. Thanks Big Z for the insights of good strong work ethics and times of laughter. REST IN PEACE Big Z…
Helen
Dreamis Eagle Boy says
Our condolences to the family of Zelma “Big Z” Mason. Debbie,Dennis an dodi. We are so sorry for your loss, Zelma was a wonderful lady. We pray for strength and healing for you all. God Bless you!
Dawnette Azure says
Big Z was always good to my son Michael and I she always welcomed us in her home she cooked for us and we could sit visit for hours!!! My prayers to her family in the very sad days ahead!! Expecially my dear friend Dodi and her daughter Brandi❤️
Jeri Johnson says
I know you’re up there with mom having a good laugh! Rest in Peace my prayers and condolences to the family!
Emoree Gray says
My prayers and thoughts are with the family of Zelma Mason. Kind, sweet, loving lady! Fly high with the rest of the angels. Until we meet again Zelma! ♡ you.
Jordis Ferguson says
RIP BigZ fly high, heaven received another angel
TomiMitchell Peterson says
RIP Zelma……….I have good memories of you and I smile when I think of you. May God shine his great love upon your family, and give them comfort . Love and prayers, Tomi Rae Mitchell-Peterson(Brian) and family
liz four star says
Dodi, Dennis, & Debbie, please accept my condolence. As you can remember Zelma and mom were good friends. Will always have good memories, thank-you Liz.
Cissy Eagleman says
You will be missed Zelma…
My thoughts and prayers of comfort are with all her family.
Heaven has another Angel…Big Z…
Brad Tande says
Condolences to the family.
Lucy Redekopp says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time . My sincere condolence to you all.
Linda Pavel says
I will miss you Zelma. Your candor, your humor, your kindness. Vays Con Dios, my friend.
Gerald "Boots" Jackson says
Dodi so sorry about your Mom passing she will be missed. She was right across the hall from my Mom before my Mom passing. My condolences and prayers to you and your family.
Maryann Spottedwolf says
Prayers to the family…..fly high BIG Z…… you will be missed.>>>>Maryann and Dolly Stark
Bev Wallace says
Sending love and sympathy to Debbie (my daughter-in-law), Dodi and Dennis. I enjoyed knowing Zelma during the times she was in Billings. I pray that the happy memories you have of her will bring you comfort and peace.