Barbara Zeller's Obituary
Barbara Kathryn Zeller died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on June 22, 2024. She was born to Barbara Hilden and Frank Gross in Boonville, MO on December 8, 1936. She was a lifelong resident of Boonville. She graduated from Ss. Peter and Paul High School in the spring of 1954. She married the love of her life, Vernon Bernard Zeller from Pilot Grove, MO on June 2, 1956 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. She is survived by Vernon and their four children: Barbie Nolte (Michael) of Leawood, KS, Donna Strope (Keith) of Chesterfield, MO, Chris Zeller (Vickie) of Boonville, MO and Paula McElroy (Tom) of Inlet Beach, FL.
Bobbie, as she was most often known, was a devoted wife and mother and held many positions in the healthcare field. Bobbie was fun-loving. Spending time with friends and family, going to dances and the Lake of the Ozarks were some of her greatest joys. She and Vernon also started three businesses in their 68 years together: Zeller Marine, Engine Connection and Texaco Convenience Store. They retired and enjoyed spending time at their two vacation homes in Tucson, AZ and Branson, MO.
She was known as “Mema” to her 7 grandchildren: C.J. Zeller (Allison), Anna Darnell (Trent), EmmaLea Nolte, Michelle Zeller, Jordan Strope (Elizabeth), Justine Groff (Michael) and Caroline Collins (Matt.) She was preceded in death by her grandson Andrew Zeller. She also loved her 13 great-grandchildren.
We knew mom was happiest when she was whistling, cooking for and enjoying time with her family. As her favorite performer, Paul Anka, sang, “Believe me when I say, it’s hard to say goodbye.”
At their request, there will be no funeral services until she is joined by Vernon. Bobbie’s family kindly requests any donations in her honor be made to Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School https://ssppboonville.diojeffcity.org/school/
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