Louise E. Zollinger

Louise E. Zollinger, 89, passed away on October 15, 2024. Born October 7, 1935 in Wichita, the daughter of Ervin and Neita Parker.

Louise was married to the love of her life, Edward F. "Ted" Zollinger, on September 27, 1952. In 1955, they moved to Derby (population 450) and built their home with love and their own two hands. That same year, they welcomed a daughter (Kathy), and in 1957, a son (Floyd), and another daughter (TeddiAnne) in 1965.

In 1971, Ted and Louise opened the Trading Post, Inc. in Derby. Louise was not just the manager of accounting. She also welcomed and assisted customers as well as driving the "big truck" into Wichita to pick up lumber, glass, and other hardware necessities. She supported Ted in all of his many hobbies, including his work with the Optimist Club of Derby. After Ted's passing in 1981, she served as the President of the Optimist Club, as well as the Opti-Mrs, and the Soroptimist Club, all of Derby. She was also involved with the Campfire Girls.

Louise ran the Trading Post with her son Floyd and his wife Paula until 1988 when she sold the business to them. After the sale, she spent time on her motorcycle and also worked as a truck driver - driving an 18-wheeler! Before fully retiring, she worked as a hospice aide for Harry Hynes.

When Louise worked her charm and talked Ted into taking dance lessons, they both were immediately hooked. Louise never lost her love of dancing, sometimes dancing up to five nights a week! In 2021, she moved to Glen Carr memory care, but her dancing never stopped. Her family made sure she could attend the senior dances in Wichita on Thursday (Minisa), Friday (Orchard Park), Saturday (Linwood), and one Tuesday a month at the Derby Senior Center. Her last dance on October 5th was also a celebration of her 89th birthday.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Neita "Aliene" Ricketts; her husband, Ted, and her son Floyd. Survivors include her daughter Kathy (Tom) Solnok, daughter TeddiAnne, and Floyd's wife Paula Zollinger; grand-children Michelle Ellis (Ashley), Marshall Ellis (Jill), Chris Sayers, Missy Sayers, Sydney Krehbiel, Riley (Tony) Wright, and seven great grand-children.

A private family graveside service is planned for sometime in the future.

A memorial has been established with the Linwood Golden Age Club - 1901 S. Kansas, Wichita KS 67211.