Zelma Fern Adams 93, Springfield, Mo., passed away Monday, October 19, 2009 in Manor Care. She was born December 31, 1915 in Curryville, Mo., to Charles Preston and Stella K. McDowell. Zelma attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, Mo. She taught school in a one-room school near Vandalia, Mo., and worked as an electrician in the naval ship yard in Portland, Ore., during WWII. Her most recent employment was with Charles Adams Realty in St. Peters, Mo. Zelma was a member of First Baptist Church, St. Peters, Mo. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Zelma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Heber L. Adams; a brother, Sanford McDowell; and a sister, Nelle Adams. She is survived by three sons, William M. Adams and wife Sherri, Dr. Robert J. Adams and wife Pat, all of Springfield, Mo., and Tim L. Adams and wife Sherrie, St. Peters, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Melani Deal and husband Paul, Shannon Hood and husband Matt, Justin Adams and wife Sheri, Brad Adams, Valerie Adams and fiance Zaki Bagby, Tracie Moore and husband Jeff, and Tom Adams; six great-grandchildren, Marli Sims, Tatum and Keely Hood, and Zach, Tyler and Colby Adams; sister-in-law, Juanita Adams; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009 in Vandalia Cemetery, Vandalia, Mo., under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 1500 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO 65804.