Cleora Zimmerly, 95, died 7:13 a.m. May 15, 2017, at Lost Creek Care Center, Lima. Cleora was born July 10, 1921, in Monroe Township to the late Louis A. and Naomi Spallinger Burkholder.  On March 5, 1941, she married Merlin Zimmerly and he preceded her in death on July 7, 2011. 

Mrs. Zimmerly retired from Richland Manor Nursing Home in 1986 as Food Service Manager. She was a member and past president of the Friendly Neighbor Club, past president of the Allen County Home Economic Extension Service, President of Allen County Federation of Farm Women’s Clubs, a volunteer at Bluffton Hospital, past member of Allen County Red Cross Board and a member of Lima Mennonite Church.

Cleora is survived by a son, Larry G. (Kathryn) Zimmerly of Lima, a granddaughter, Nancy A. (William) Swisher of Ft. Wayne, Ind., a step-granddaughter, Christal L. Miller of Cincinnati, a step-grandson, Michael A. Miller of Columbus, three great-grandchildren, Andrew J. Swisher, Candace (Anthony) Myers and Nicholas R. Swisher, a great-great-grandson, Xavier Myers and a sister, Helen Suter of Bluffton.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Basinger and a brother Weldon Burkholder.

Funeral services will begin at 1 pm Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. Rev. Rob White will officiate. 

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton.  Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lima Mennonite Church.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com