Zella Mae Goble was born July 28, 1940, to Lee W. and Mildred Zora (Compton) Goble. She was their second daughter. She passed peacefully to freedom on January 10, 2025, at the age of 84 years and five months. Zella, better known as " Z," was preceded in death by two sisters, infant Beverly Kay and Patty Sue McFarland, her parents and grandparents.  She is survived by three sisters: Marva Lee Deines of Maxwell, NM, Vicky Marie Goble of Killeen, TX, and Jennifer Jo Goble of Sterling, CO, as well as eleven nieces and nephews, their spouses and families who were very special to her.

Zella was described by various titles: A hoot, free-spirit, hippie, interior designer, Willie's (Nelson) sister, artist, survivor, fun, witty, encyclopedia, and always, one-of-a-kind. Her caregiver said, "My little Chihuahua was always so happy and sweet." She could be "so full" with one cube of cheese and had every color of bandana, which she wore as headbands that color coordinated with her day's outfit—the more color, the better. She especially liked green, saying, "Green goes with everything."

Zella was the first person on both sides of her family tree to graduate from college. She earned her BA in Interior Design from Colorado State University, which was a big deal.

At the age of twenty-four, when she was starting a dream job as a designer and finishing her second degree in art education, somebody ran a red light and hit the passenger side of her car. Her driver's door flew open, she fell out, and her car ran over her right ankle. She spent the rest of her life with a fused ankle, many surgeries, and poor circulation, necessitating continual wound care. Yes, that's an unfortunate story, but it never stopped her—she stayed strong & even had a special boot made for snow skiing. Most impressive, she always had a positive attitude and greeted everyone with a smile, wit, laughter, and interest in what they were doing—a perpetual cheerleader.

She was an accomplished artist and creator of Lost-wax casting jewelry. She worked with gold and silver and set gemstones, turquoise, pearls, and cameos.

She had little financial means but gave what she could to Native American organizations, pet rescues, and US Veterans. She took in any stray cat who came by her front door. She fed them Greek yogurt she made from scratch. She could make do and create necessities with things most people trashed. She was a top-shelf survivor. In death, she donated her body to medical research and education.

Zella loved life and spread joy to all who crossed her path. She had an impact on her tiny little corner of the world.

Zella Mae Goble is undoubtedly in heaven dancing, singing, laughing, and hugging her Mother, Daddy, and sisters. She is free from pain, doctors, and dementia.

She was, is, and will always be loved and remembered for her eclectic spirit, one-liners, and giving heart. A high school friend said it well: "Zella Mae was a very caring, creative, and intelligent person. Her family and her sisters meant the world to her."

Graveside services will be held in Akron, Colorado on May 17th, 2025. For memorial donations, Zella would want you to choose a non-profit of your choice and raise a glass to her joy-filled life.

The funeral home handling her cremation was ABEL at 1627 N 51st Ave., Phoenix, AZ  85035