Zella M. Mills (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Zella M. Mills, daughter of Thomas Julian and Susie Jane Barnes Price, was January 1, 1934, at Spout Springs, in Dallas County, Missouri. She departed this life Thursday, September 5, 2013, in the Kansas City Hospice House, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of seventy-nine years, eight months, and four days.
On April 21, 1953, she was united in marriage to Thomas Ward Tribble, who preceded her in death in 1956, after a tractor accident.
On July 18, 1959, she was married to James William Mills, and to this union one daughter was born.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; her husband of fifty-two years, James, on September 8, 2011; and three sisters, Helen Jean Mizer, Edith L. Beck, and Mary Jane Worley.
Zella is survived by a daughter, Michelle Jeanne Mills, of Kansas City, Missouri; a step-son, Douglas James Mills, of Kansas City, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
She was born and raised in Dallas County, Missouri, and then lived most of her life in Laclede County. Zella was employed at H. D. Lee Company for many years, in the capacity of payroll clerk and later as Personnel Director. She was also a devoted homemaker to her family throughout the years. For many years, she was an active real estate broker and worked with her husband until shortly before his passing.
Zella accepted Christ as her Saviour in 1954, and united with Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Grovespring, Missouri. Later in 1956, she moved her membership to First Baptist Church in Lebanon. There she served as a Sunday school teacher, Trustee, member of the Finance Committee, and as Circle Chairman of Brewster Round Table Group.
She was an excellent cook and was particularly well known for her homemade pies and cobblers. She was a wonderful hostess and enjoyed entertaining people in her home. She and Jim both loved to travel and had visited many exciting places. Zella was always a lady and had exceptionally good taste in clothing and jewelry. She never left her house without making sure that she was well groomed and matching. She loved her family dearly and was especially close with her daughter, stepson, sisters, and nieces and nephews.
Zella was a loving mother, and aunt, and was a kind and caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them.
What’s your fondest memory of Zella?
What’s a lesson you learned from Zella?
Share a story where Zella's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Zella you’ll never forget.
How did Zella make you smile?
