Rose Irene Zekas, 84, passed away October 22, 2017. Rose was born in Whitewood, SD to the late, George W. and Martha Nichols James. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Sr. Master Sgt. John L. Zekas. Being a military wife, Rose had diverse careers, her favorite was being a Switchboard Operator with Bell Telephone Company. She was as a pastor’s daughter and raised in the Church of God, and attended All Nations Church, Newport News. She was a loving mother and is survived by her children, Steve Dugger; Ross Dugger (Mary), Cheri Grider (William) and Joni Christopher (Glen); 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. A service to celebrate her life will begin at 11 a.m. with son-in-law, William H. Grider, Jr. Following the service, the family invites you to join them in the reception center at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rose's name to The Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service and to leave a condolence to the family.