Zelda Cahill Davis Gilman, 101 of Petoskey, died February 24, 2013 at the Hiland Cottage of Hospice of Little Traverse Bay in Petoskey.

Zelda was born on March 28, 1911 to Laura Goerke and Luke James Cahill in Cheboygan County. She attended rural school and when they moved to Indian River she completed work through the tenth grade before riding the train to complete her education in Cheboygan where she graduated from high school in 1927. She then attended Cheboygan County Normal for one year before transferring to Central State Teachers College where she received a Life Certificate to teach. She earned her B.S. degree and M. A. from Central Michigan University and taught a total of forty one years in Sebewing, Petoskey and Midland. During her tenure in Petoskey, Zelda taught the 3rd Grade at Sheridan Elementary School and even served for a time as Principal. When she was well in her 90’s, Zelda went back to Sheridan Elementary School and would read to the children in the Library and demonstrate quilting and other crafts like braiding.

Zelda married Arthur Davis in 1936 and he preceded her in death in 1937.She then married J. Howard Gilman in 1949 and he also preceded her in death in 1990.

She and “Sparky” enjoyed eighteen years of travel on this continent having spent winters in Hawaii, Arizona and Florida. The visited much of Europe and the South Pacific and enjoyed their retirement home in Indian River.

Mrs. Gilman participated in the activity at Petoskey Bay View Country Club, the Embroiderers Guild, the quilting guild, was a life member of Little Traverse Historical Museum, NEA, MEA and a 12 year member on the Salvation Army Advisory Committee. She is survived by a Step daughter; Gail Gilman-Frowine and her family, Nieces and Nephews.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at Greenwood Cemetery and will be announced.

Zelda’s family requests that donations in her memory be directed to the Student Activity Fund at Sheridan Elementary School in Petoskey.

Arrangements are in the care of the Stone Funeral Home of Petoskey.