Zelda Emerson

Zelda Merryweather Coon Emerson

Born in Provo, Utah to Albert and Merlin Merryweather, she was the oldest of six children. Her family moved to Milford Utah when she was six years old. She attended Milford High School and married Herbert Coon. They had five children together. The two enjoyed golfing, singing, and playing the piano. Zelda did work for the church, taught Primary, Cub Scout leader, and ran the Senior Citizens Center in Milford for several years. At 50 they divorced and mom moved to Salt Lake City where she attended the University of Utah and graduated with a bachelor's degree. She became a professional model. Acting was in her blood and performed in several plays at the U of U Theater. Mom worked as a school teacher at Salt Lake County School District and later worked as an ERA Realtor which is the job she was most proud of.

Mom met Merwin (Em) Emerson at the symphony watching his son Steve perform. They were married soon after and spent many happy years together. Mom also enjoyed dancing and singing with Em, they would play old records and dance in their living room. Em passed away at the age of 101.

Mom had 5 children, one of them ( Elaine) being handicapped. She changed mom’s life. The whole family had many trials and blessings from having her in their home. Mom went on to do a lot of research into why Elaine was handicapped and she believed it was caused by the nuclear testing conducted near Milford. She wrote a book based on her research (What Happened to Elaine). She was very active with a group against the use of nuclear power and weapons. She also authored, Tweens Santa Surprise. She was very proud of her work.

Mom was able to live at her home with little assistance past the age of 90. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and led the singing in her ward. Mom spent her last few months at the Beaver Long Term Care Center. She made many new friends there. We can’t thank them and the staff enough for the outstanding care and patience they showed for Mom.

Mom is survived by sons Bill Coon, (Jodi), Blair Coon (Teresa) and daughters Mary Walton (Joe ) and Janet Winsor (Paul), stepson Steve Emerson (Linda), 17 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. Siblings, brothers Karl Merryweather (Elva), Martin Merryweather (Sharon) and sister Linda Baldwin.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Elaine Coon, her husband Em Emerson, her parents Albert and Merlin Merryweather, sister and brother-in-law Joan & Berdel Corbridge, brother Robert Merryweather and brother-in-law John Baldwin.

A funeral will be held at the Milford LDS Church on Monday, October 27th at 12:00 noon with a viewing preceding at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at the Milford Cemetery. Online condolences can be shared at www.mortuary.org.