Zelda Marie Kuchenbrod passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at her home in Pensacola, Florida.
Zelda was born in Paxton, IL on August 16, 1939 to Orville and Roxie (Fox) Henson. Zelda married Harold G. Niccum on May 9, 1959. A daughter, Cindy, was born on June 1, 1960. Zelda then married Harry C. Kuchenbrod on September 24, 1982.
She was preceded in death by daughter, Cindy; her parents; brother, Thomas Henson; sister, Barbara Keefe and sister, Shirley Henson.
Zelda is survived by her husband of 35 years, and stepchildren Ralph Kuchenbrod (Ellen) Tolono, IL; Barbara Rust (Tom), Cissna Park, IL; Gary Kuchenbrod (Sandra), Pesotum, IL; Jerry Kuchenbrod (Kim), Armstrong, Il; and Barry Kuchenbrod (Vonda), Nashville, TN; Granddaughter Amanda Nelson; Step granddaughters Katie George, Allison Kuchenbrod, and Emily Kuchenbrod; Step grandsons Joseph Kuchenbrod, Benjamin Kuchenbrod, Clifford Kuchenbrod, Emmett Kuchenbrod, Darren Rust, Travis Rust, and eleven step great grandchildren.
Zelda graduated from Paxton High School in 1957. A life-long learner, she earned an Associate’s Degree from Wayland Baptist University in Texas and a Bachelor’s degree in 1992 from Eastern Illinois University. As an exemplary student at EIU she was awarded membership in the adult education honor society Alpha Sigma Lambda,
Zelda began her working life as an operator with a central Illinois telephone company. When the phone system was automated she moved into a typist position. Zelda’s storied civil service career began in 1977 at Chanute AFB, IL (1977-1992), Sheppard AFB, TX (1992-2000), and retiring at NAS Pensacola, FL in 2003. As a civil servant Zelda served as group commander secretary at Chanute. Seeking challenge, Zelda applied for and was hired as a technical instructor in the Aircraft Fuels System Maintenance Course at Chanute AFB. When Chanute closed, Zelda transferred to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. Zelda retired as a Training Specialist at NAS Pensacola, FL.
Zelda was an avid reader and an accomplished landscape artist.
A visitation will be held in honor of Zelda’s life at Trahan Family Funeral Home on Monday, May 14, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Trahan Family Funeral Home and Blurton Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.

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