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.