Zelda Mae Rosti

Zelda Mae (Payton-Rosti) VanKirk, 90, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Landrum, South Carolina.

Born on March 29, 1935, in Washington, D.C., to the late Dewey and Mary Rector Payton, Zelda was raised in Virginia, where she developed a lifelong love for the changing seasons, rolling landscapes, and the enduring joy of close-knit family and friendships. Those early years planted the seeds of beauty and connection that she would carry with her throughout her life.

A graduate of Fairfax High School, Zelda especially enjoyed playing basketball and cheering on her teammates. She later worked for 16 years with a prosthetic dental specialist in Arlington, Virginia—an experience that deepened her appreciation for people’s smiles, something she brought out in everyone she met. Never one to stop learning, Zelda also pursued a degree in Interior Design from Northern Virginia Community College. Her creative eye and thoughtful touch transformed the homes of family and friends into spaces filled with warmth, comfort, and beauty.

Affectionately known as “Z,” Zelda was a woman of deep love, quiet grace, and open-hearted generosity. Her gift of hospitality was unmistakable—she welcomed others with joy and made them feel immediately at home. Whether through carefully arranged flowers, beautifully set tables, or lovingly prepared meals, Zelda had a way of making even simple gatherings feel special. She cherished the chance to celebrate life’s milestones and believed in the importance of creating lasting memories with the people she loved.

More than a gracious host, Zelda was a trusted listener and wise confidante. Many sought her thoughtful counsel and found in her a constant and caring friend. She had a special way of walking alongside others with compassion, sincerity, and strength—through life’s joys and its trials.

Zelda is survived by her devoted husband, Ray VanKirk; her brother, James Payton; her children: Gerald Rosti, Kenneth Rosti, Richard Rosti, Susan Blackwood (and husband Dennis), and Debra Wilcox (and husband John); 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and many beloved extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Zelda’s life was a radiant reflection of her deep faith. She loved the Lord wholeheartedly and lived out that love by pouring herself into the lives of others. Her legacy of grace, beauty, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 25th beginning at 10:30 at Greer First Baptist located at 201 W Poinsett St., Greer, SC.

If you’re not able to be with us in person for her Celebration of Life, we’d love and be honored for you to join us online. We’ll be gathering on a video call to share memories, stories, and the love we all have for her. Your presence, even from afar, means so much. Information on how you may join us is forthcoming.

Instructions:

If you wish watch the service online you can join the Celebration of Life by computer or phone but you will need to have Zoom installed on your device.  Zoom takes a few minutes to install so be sure to install it before the meeting begins.  

Alternatively, you can use your phone to simply listen to the service in which case you can tap on one of the phone numbers included below and the Zoom system will log you into the call

Join Zoom Meeting by computer:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82523503580?pwd=DCdLgOUrxMci1XkNxMTOG7INmBi54Y.1

Meeting ID: 825 2350 3580

Passcode: 700875

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Or, join the Zoom meeting by phone:

One tap mobile

+16469313860,,82523503580#,,,,*700875# US

+19292056099,,82523503580#,,,,*700875# US (New York)

Additional instructions on joining the Zoom meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/82523503580/invitations?signature=PnRcRgfhma7q29C4WgNxcJwaMAPVhaSbqoysnqWqabM

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Bluefield College, 3000 College Dr, Bluefield, VA 24605 or Greer Baptist Church, 201 W Poinsett St, Greer, SC 29650

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Zelda Mae Rosti, please visit our floral store.