Zelma passed away on June 28, 2017 in the presence of her loving husband Nick Montana in their apartment at Eskaton Village Carmichael. She was born October 16, 1928 in Petaluma, California to William and Ruth Karutz. Her parents moved her and her two older brothers to Sacramento when she was just a baby. Soon after they moved into their new home at 1035 51th, where she grew up. She graduated from Sacramento High in 1946. She met the love of her life, Nick,, while working at Knott's Pharmacy at 56th and J Street. They were engaged in the summer of 1947. Their 69 years of marriage began on June 5, 1948. The following year they built their first house in Arden Park on Arroyo Grande Drive. Thirty nine years later they built their second home in Roseville and lived there until they moved to Eskaton in 2013.

Zelma enjoyed volunteering in the community. She served as president of the Arden Little League and president of the PTA for Mariemont Elementary school. An avid reader, Zelma was a volunteer at the Arden Dimick library for over 30 years. Zelma happily collected clothing, shoes and books for the Sacramento Children's receiving home. She enjoyed crocheting and making countless blankets as baby and bridal showers for friends and family. She also enjoyed collecting Precious Moment figurines, representing "precious moments" in her life.

Nick and Zelma enjoyed retirement by traveling the US with their camper trailer and then their travel trailer. Later they took many cruises to places all over the world visiting all 7 continents. Zelma always said Barcelona was one of her most favorite places to ever visit.

She is survived in death by her cherished husband Nick, her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Connie, along with their children: Daniel and his wife Jennifer, Melissa and her husband Joseph (who have Zelma's two great grandsons, Jack and Finnegan), Micah and his wife Jennifer. She is also survived by her other grand children; Christopher and his wife Chrissy, Erica and her husband Terry, and Ryan.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers John and Walter Karutz.

There will be a celebration of life Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 2:30 at Eskaton Village Carmichael, 3939 Walnut Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.  PRICE FUNERAL CHAPEL (725-2109), directors.

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