Miriam Grace Zook

Miriam graduated from Dickinson County Community High School in Chapman, Kansas in 1944, riding the bus each day from the family farm which was 4 miles north of Abilene. Upon graduation she rode the bus to California. She attended Beulah College, later called “Upland College”, where she graduated in 1949 with a B.A. Degree in Sociology. She was employed as the Upland College alumni secretary before commencing a career in teaching. She taught school for six and one half years until she was called to the mission field. She served fourteen years in Africa, stationed at Motopo Mission in a town outside of Bulawayo in what was then called Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). She taught English and geography.

While abroad she travelled extensively in Asia as well as Africa. When she returned to California, Miriam continued teaching at a Christian school in Fontana for twelve years until her marriage to Samuel Glen Zook in 1989. Glen taught Miriam how to play golf and they both enjoyed games of pool at the Upland Sr. Citizen Center. Together Glen and Miriam happily lived in the home Glen built in Upland for 10 years, until his death. Later Miriam moved to Upland Manor before ultimately taking residence at Sunlit Gardens where she received care and assistance in her elderly years. Miriam became a member of the Brethren in Christ Church when she was ten years old and continued faithfully attending as long as her health permitted. She taught Sunday School many years and was also a long-time avid member of the Hi-Ho Club.

Miriam is remembered for her love of games. She played “Rook” and “Ups and Downs” with her sisters, Hope Musser and Pauline Sider as well as her many nieces and nephews. She was close to her youngest sister, Carolyn Wiley, the only sibling to survive her. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Glen Zook, her parents, her three brothers: Noble, Willis, and James Frey, and four sisters: Helen Eyster, Hope Musser, Pauline Sider, and Alice Kroeker.

Linda Conway, Glen’s daughter, was of help to Miriam in the latter years as long as her health allowed it and Miriam happily became a grandmother and great-grandmother to Glen’s family. A Memorial Service will be held to commemorate Miriam’s life when it is safer to gather.