Nedra L. Zimmerschied

Nedra Louise Durham Zimmerschied, 86, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Bothwell Regional Medical Health Center with family by her side.

Nedra was born October 9, 1936, near Marion, Missouri, the only child of Pauline (Garnett) Durham and J. Paul Durham.

On February 14, 1960, at the United Church of Christ in Sedalia, MO, Nedra was united in marriage to Carl Edwin Zimmerschied, who survives of the home.

She was a graduate of Jefferson City High School, Lindenwood College, and received her master’s in English and teaching degree at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO.

Nedra was active in the Sedalia community and lived a life of love, family, and service to others.  Over her lifetime, Nedra was a volunteer of the Open Door, Food Commodities, Meals on Wheels, Jaycee Wives, the Children’s Therapy Center, and the Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Group.  Nedra was also involved in her church choir, with a life-long love and passion for music. During her life, she was a member of the Church Women United, the Presbyterian Church Choir, Sedalia Chorale, and the Helen G. Steele Music Club. Within her church, she served on the Session as an Elder, was Women’s Association President, and taught Sunday School. In addition, she was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority (Torchbearer Epsilon) for over 50 years.

During Nedra’s early career, she worked at KRCG-TV in Jefferson City, MO as host of a daily children’s show “Nedie and the Little Rascals,” beginning in her teens. She also worked at KMOS-TV in Sedalia, MO and KCMO-TV in Kansas City, MO.

Nedra’s true calling was to be an English teacher at Smith-Cotton High School where she touched the lives of an untold number of students over her 20+ years of teaching before retiring in 2004. She loved her students as her own, and they loved her in return. In addition to teaching, she created the School-to-Work program and was a member of P.E.O. and the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA). During five years of her teaching career, Nedra was chosen by students to be included in the national book “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.”

She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially seeing the whole family getting together, laughing, and having fun.

Nedra is survived by her husband Carl E. Zimmerschied, their three children, and their spouses: Paula Zimmerschied (Leslie Borden) of Leavenworth, KS; Carla Jackson (Jeffrey) of Sedalia, MO; and Jay Zimmerschied (Karen), of Lawrence, KS; four grandchildren, Amanda Byers (Kyle) of Leawood, KS; Jennifer Jackson-DeHaven (Scott) of Sedalia, MO; Alex Zimmerschied (Jess) of Overland Park, KS; and Andrew Zimmerschied of Lawrence, KS; and five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Henry, Grace, and Arthur Byers; and Oliver Zimmerschied (born the day of her passing).

The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Broadway Presbyterian Church. Services will be officiated by Reverend Robert Hughes with a luncheon following for immediate family and close friends in the Fellowship Hall. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2023, at Heckart Funeral Home.

Nedra’s request was for the family to provide flowers for the memorial service and that others wishing to donate are to please do so to their favorite charity or to Broadway Presbyterian Church.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Nedra’s exuberance for life and warm, embracing love for others will be deeply missed by  family and friends.