Zella M. Woolsey, 78, Oakland City, Indiana passed away Friday, May 20, 2016, after a five-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Zella was born on January 1, 1938 in the Stumpburg Community west of Oakland City. She was the 9th of 13 children born to Charles H. and Ethel B. Young.

After graduating from Oakland City High School in 1956, she worked at Devoe and Reynolds as a secretary.

She wed Bernard Woolsey on March 8, 1957. 

Zella was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Bernard, in 2008; sisters Norma Jean Hughes, Barbara Jo McQueen, and Lena Hill; and brothers Elmer Young, Orris Young, Charles Adrian Young, and Hobert Young.

Her mother's first child was stillborn.

Her interest in art had been a lifelong love. She often quoted, “Art is a way of life – you have to keep it in perspective.” She loved her many artist mentors especially Lloyd McEllhiney, Tinsley Webb, and Jerry Baum. She experimented with all art media, but her favorite became watercolors. She was delighted with the artistic ability God had blessed her with. In her prime, Zella had given lessons to anyone wanting to learn her techniques. She especially loved sharing her talent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was a past member of Oak Grove Missionary Society, Gibson County Art Guild, Gibson County Historical Society, Oakland City's Sesquicentennial Committee, Gibson County Democrat Club, Toastmasters International, Phi Beta Psi, and a Good Samaritan Home Volunteer. She served on the Columbia Township Advisory Board for more than 30 years, and was heavily involved with the compiling and publishing of the “Oakland City Indiana – Celebrating 150 Years” history book. She also had a passion for writing poems and stories, and a love of researching and recording genealogy. 

She is the mother of Allison (Steve Angermeier) Jackson of Pace, Florida, and Alana (Bob) Martin of Oakland City. Her grandchildren are Aaron (Whitney) Jackson of Evansville, Brittany (Ken Hayes) Jackson of Mountain View, CA, Christina (Bruce) Marshall of Newburgh, Arielle (Kent) Miller of Somerville, and Ben Martin of Mackey. Great grandchildren are Bailey Wilson, Aaron Mitchell II, and Callen Jackson, Alexander Hayes, Carter and Sage Miller, and Makenzie and Kole Marshall. Surviving siblings are Lloyd (Marilyn) Young of Newburgh, IN Brenda McGillem of Glezen, IN Earlene (Perry) Saris of Florida and Oleva “Grace” Tetrick of Indiana.

The family would like to extend their thanks to River Oaks in Princeton, Indiana (her home for the last two years) for their support and loving care. A special thank you to those who faithfully visited and sent cards. Even when she did not know you – she felt your love.

Services will be Wednesday May 25,2016 10:00 A.M at Lamb-Basham Memorial
Chapel with burial in Montgomery Cemetery. Rev. Bill L. Reed officiating.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the chapel, also from 8:00 A.M., until services on Wednesday.