Zelma Riedling Lackey

Zelma Riedling

Lackey 93

passed away peacefully at herhome Sunday, January 17, 2016. She was born on March 6, 1922, in Spring Creek,Kentucky. She was the oldest of nine children of the late Albert and Easter(Jordan) Baker.

Zelma owned and operated Zelma’sRestaurant for 40 years. She began her love for service in 1965, where shebegan working at, what was known at that time as, “the Dog House”. Zelma laterpurchased the restaurant in 1976 and that is where she began her life’sjourney. In 1988, Zelma took her proprietorship to a new level by constructinga new building and changing the name to “Zelma’s”. Many people will fondlyremember the infamous covered wagon that sat predominantly on Shadeland Ave.

Along with her four children;Alberta, Jim, John, and Kathy, and their encouragement, “Zelma’s” flourishedand became a staple on Indianapolis’ East Side. Zelma’s work ethic was endlessand guiding. She had 22 grandchildren, and 13 of them: Jim, Tina, Donna, Chad,Ross, Diana, Todd, Robbie, Tracey, Eric, Scott, Janet, and Amber were alltaught Zelma’s work ethic and attention to detail. Zelma loved her customers,and as many of them travelled, they would bring her a plate from theirdestinations, which she would proudly display in her restaurant alongside hermany pictures of family and friends. Zelma welcomed all to free dining duringthe holiday seasons, and called everyone family. She was a member of theEastern Star, joining in 1973. She began at the Irvington Chapter 364, andlater transferred to Brookside. Zelma’s greatest love was her family. In 2001,she married Harrison (Gene) Lackey, welcoming Mike and Elissa (Gene’s children) into heralready large family.

Zelma is survived by her husband of15 years, Gene Lackey, her four children; Alberta Sams, of Greenfield, James(Jim) Harmon, of Texas, John Riedling, of Indianapolis, and Kathy (Tipper)Spicklemire, of Greenfield; her added children, Mike (Garnet) Lackey, of NewPalestine, and Elissa Vernon, of Indianapolis; 22 Grandchildren, 37Great-Grandchildren, and 4 Great-Great-grandchildren, with a new arrival comingin April. She also leaves her siblings; Homer Baker (Ruth) of Kentucky, JeanCarlisle of Illinois, Elbert (Ray) Baker of Tennessee, and many other familymembers and customers of Zelma’s Restaurant. She was preceded in death by herparents, Albert and Easter Baker; siblings, Hedie Baker, Ova Baker, Thelma(Sue) Hibbs, and Elva Greer. Zelma was the matriarch of the family.

Memorial contributions can be madeto the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin, Indiana: 609 State St., Franklin IN46131. Family and friends may call from 4pm – 8pm on Friday, January 22, 2016, andfrom 11am-12pm on Saturday, January 23, 2016 with Funeral Services at 12pm at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park East.10722 E. Washington St, Indianapolis 46229. Zelma’s final resting place will beBidge-Hoskins Family Cemetery, Kentucky. Services in Kentucky will be performedat Rominger Funeral Home on Monday, January 25, 2016 from 11:30am-1pm, with gravesideburial immediately following. Please sign Zelma’s guestbook and share memoriesat www.flannerbuchanan.com