Rose “Zelma” Hoskins McCuistian of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away July 30, 2007 at her home at Wiley Creek Community. She was an independent woman who impressed everyone with her determination and kind heart. The staff at Wiley Creek cared for her and loved her deeply. Her family surrounded her with love.

Zelma was born March 4, 1912, at home in Witter, Arkansas. She was the third of five children born to Rachel Florence Bollinger Hoskins and Farris Henry Hoskins.

She attended school through the eighth grade.

She married John Long McCuistian September 30, 1932, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They moved where John could find work. During the next 16 years they lived in Witter, Arkansas, Collinsville, Oklahoma and Gentry, Arkansas.

During World War II the family moved to Claremore, Oklahoma. Zelma worked as a riveter for Douglas Aircraft and was eventually trained as a welder. With her first name of Rose, she was often teased as “The” Rosie the Riveter, a popular icon during World War II.

In 1948, the family moved to Sweet Home, Oregon. Zelma worked as a cook at the Wanigan Cafe, Foster Cafe and Foster School cafeteria. She also spent hours as a devoted grandmother taking care of her grandchildren.

Zelma was known for her immense weed-free vegetable garden. When the vegetables were ready for picking, she then spent hours canning for her family. She also picked blackberries, strawberries and cherries to make cobblers, pies, jams and jellies.

Zelma’s hands were always busy. She crocheted slippers, scarves and hats. Her hand-pieced and hand-quilted quilts are prized possessions. Five years ago, she presented each of her grandchildren with one of her quilts. She sewed and mended clothes, could be counted on to replace a button, made Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls and stuffed animals.

Zelma was preceded in death by her husband John, daughter Vera Gabriel, grandson Ian McCuistian, son-in Law Keith Gabriel, and son-in-law Bob Vinson.

Survivors include sister Lois Hoskins of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter Jo Ella Lutton and son-in-law John Lutton of Lebanon, Oregon; daughter Wanda Vinson of Eugene, Oregon; daughter Johnny Ruth Kyriss and son-in-law Ken Kyriss of Albany, Oregon; son Marion McCuistian and daughter-in-law Rosemary McCuistian of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas; son Michael McCuistian of Eugene, Oregon; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel, 1443 Long Street, Sweet Home, Oregon, Monday August 6, 1:00 pm. Interment at Gilliland Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to Sweet Home Alumni Scholarship Program, PO Box 83, Sweet Home, Oregon 97386. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.