Zella Powell

Zella M. Powell, age 86, of Gresham, NE, died Sunday, June 29, 2008 at York, NE. She was born on September 4, 1921 near Gresham to John and Elsie (Richards) Bond. Zella attended business school in Lincoln after graduating from Gresham High School. She then worked for Dr. Eklund in Osceola, NE. She moved to California where she met and married Lloyd Powell. They were both airplane riveters during WWII. Zella retired from working in the office of the Ralston Purina Co. in California. She and Lloyd enjoyed traveling to many different places. They moved back to Gresham from California in the late 1970’s. Zella attended the Presbyterian Church in Gresham and was very active in senior citizen organizations. She especially enjoyed playing dominos, both with family and friends. She also enjoyed working outside in her yard and garden. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Zella is survived by her stepdaughter, Linda Weaver of California; nephews Reg Eklund and his wife Linda of Oregon, Rex Rhodes of Omaha, Jerry Rhodes and his wife Judy of Gresham; nieces, Evelyn Troxler of Gresham, Holly Rogge and her husband Milton of Pleasant Dale, NE, Myra Rhodes of California, and Dixie Rhodes of York. Also surviving are her step-grandchildren and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lloyd; two sisters, Margaret Rhodes and Dorthae Eklund; one stepdaughter, Karen McCormick; two nephews, Robert Rhodes and Max Rhodes; and two nieces, Donna May Rhodes and Jean Joan Rhodes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 3, 2008 at the Presbyterian Church in Gresham, NE with the Reverend Michael Eickhoff officiating. Interment will follow at the Cedar Lawn Cemetery at Gresham. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary. The family will greet friends Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.