Zak, Twyla Jo

Twyla Jo Zak formerly of Hemingford, NE and Fairplay, CO passed away Thursday March 17, 2016 at her home in Mesa, AZ. She was 76 years old and had been in declining health for a number of years. Twyla was born to Clyde and Vera Lawson in Ansley, NE on August, 18, 1939. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Joe Zak, four daughters Chris Zak of Jefferson, CO, Tracy (Monte) Downare of Hartsel, CO, Cindy Zak of Gilbert, AZ, Jody (Chris)Young of Greeley, CO and her brother Don (Joan) Lawson of Cape Coral, FL. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Twyla attended Hemingford, NE High School and Doane College in Crete, NE. where she was a member of Omega Psi Theta Sorority. She and her husband Joe operated a Mobil Oil Service Station in Hemingford before moving to Fairplay, CO in 1964 where they owned and operated Zak’s Auto Garage and Towing for many years. Twyla was very active as a 4-H Leader and volunteered with the Park County Fair for many years. She worked as a volunteer for the CSU Extension office in Park County as well as the town of Fairplay. She received multiple State recognitions for her leadership efforts in 4H. Twyla was very active in her Fairplay community devoting countless hours giving piano lessons, sewing cheerleader uniforms and volunteering to help with elections. She had a life long love of flowers and gardening and received her Mater Gardener Certificate from CSU. She was also known as an excellent cook and a friend to all. She was an elder in her church, The South Park Community Church and active in the Congregational Church in Hemingford. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Congregational Church in Hemingford, NE or the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, AZ.