Delores Zerby

Delores “Dee” Zerby, 91, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, in Pueblo, Colorado. She was born on June 17, 1934, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Betty and John Hughes Sr.

Dee was a devoted wife to her husband of 71 years, Jim Zerby, and a loving mother to their three children, Keven, Kurtis and Tammy. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and fast cars.

Those who knew Dee often said she was one of the kindest and sweetest people they had ever met. Her vibrant personality was reflected in her colorful style and cheerful home décor. She had a special gift for bringing joy and laughter in unexpected ways to those around her.

Dee loved parties and holidays and loved to plan games and funny skits for her family to perform. One of her most treasured traditions was writing poems and reading them aloud to her family every Christmas. Never heard of a Hillbilly Wedding Anniversary? Then you definitely missed out!

Dee and Jim enjoyed square dancing, playing cards and games with family and friends, and taking annual trips to Indiana to visit relatives and attend class reunions. She was also known as an avid "Walmart Shopper", and the customer service department knew her by name. She loved a good joke, and her sweet little giggle was contagious to everyone around her.

Dee loved Jesus deeply, and the light of Christ showed through her life in the way that she cared for others. She was a member of the Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West, Colorado, where she worshipped alongside Jim for many years.

Above all else, Dee loved her family with all her heart.

She is survived by her children, Keven (Jodee) Zerby, Kurtis (Trudy) Zerby and Tamara (Raymond) Southard; 10 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lamar James "Jim" Zerby; her parents, Betty and John Hughes Sr; her brothers, Glenn Hughes and John Hughes Jr; her sisters, Mary Baker, Garnett Kelly, Alberta Snyder, and Juanita Gamble; her niece, Betty (Hal) Hevel; and her great-grandson, Brycen James Zerby.

Dee will be remembered for her kindness, her joyful spirit and laughter, and the unconditional love she poured into her family. After sharing 71 wonderful years together, she now rests again beside her beloved husband, Jim.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Holt Family Funeral Home located at 806 Macon Ave, Cañon City, CO, followed by a graveside service at Lakeside Cemetery.

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