Zu Dell Broadwater

Zu Dell Broadwater of Houston, TX, passed from this earth on January 14, 2024, at the age of 92. She was born to Guy Wilson Broadwater and Frances Ellen (Ingram) Broadwater in Halstead, Kansas, on December 12, 1931. Zu grew up in Great Bend, Kansas, where she attended kindergarten through high school, graduating in 1949. Zu left Great Bend after graduation to attend Southern Methodist University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 1953. She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority.

Zu was an accomplished pianist and vocalist, performing in many choirs and musicals, while working full time in the oil and gas industry. She retired from both Conoco in Ponca City, OK and Tenneco in Houston, TX. An adventurer, she spent her vacations enjoying worldwide travel throughout her lifetime with friends and family. After officially retiring in 1997, Zu enjoyed attending performances at the Houston Symphony, Opera and Ballet and worked as a volunteer in the Opera Gift Shop.

Proceeding her in death were her parents, her sister Jo Ann (Broadwater) Foos and her brother in-law Clifford M. Foos. She is survived by her nieces Janet (Foos) Malone (and husband, Robert) of Richmond, TX and Sue Ellen (Foos) Abernathy (and husband Joe) of Gordonville, TX. Survivors also include great nieces Stephanie Crank Kester (and husband Derek) of Corsicana, TX and Megan Crank Mainer (and husband Michael) of Angleton, TX. Surviving great-great nieces include Maizy Mainer and Faith Kester and great-great nephews Kingston Crank, Milo Mainer and Charleton Kester.

Zu will forever be remembered for her love of books, art, and music. She was a stickler for proper grammar, diction and etiquette. She enjoyed wine, cheese and a good cup of espresso. She loved her dogs, friends and family and will be missed by all.

God Bless you and rest in peace, Zu Dell Broadwater.

The family will scatter her ashes at a later date, per her request to “take me someplace fun”!