Zella C. Apple (86) of Newton

 Zella C. Apple, age 86, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 4:30 AM – Sunday, April 26, 2020 at the Newton Care Center in Newton, Illinois.

Private family services will be held with burial in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. In loving memory of Zella, memorials may be made to dedicated staff of Newton Care Center and mailed to the family, 8519 North 810^th Street, Newton, Illinois, 62448. The funds will be used for the dedicated staff of the COVID-19 team, who have spent countless hours caring for the nursing home residents. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here. 

Zella was born on August 10, 1933 in Yale, Illinois, the daughter of Otto and Rose Ethel (Prentice) Chapman. 

Her determination shown through early in life when she completed 8^th grade and decided to work for a year so that she could attend high school. She was a proud graduate of Newton Community High School with the Class of 1952. Zella went on to attend Eastern Illinois University obtaining a degree in Education. 

She married Phillip Russell Apple on November 8, 1953 in Newton, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on October 15, 2016. She and Phillip loved to work in their yard together, planting flowers and tending a huge garden. They spent hours annually canning their harvest and sharing it with family and friends. She took great joy when the kids of the community would visit the garden to select prom flowers. 

Zella loved the outdoors spending time fishing, hunting mushrooms and simply walking. Her greatest joy was her family, and her unconditional love for all is a trait she will always be remembered for. 

Zella was a member of Grace United Methodist in Newton, Illinois.   

Zella is survived by:

3 Children - Crystal Frank of Newburgh, Indiana; Michael (Leslie) Apple and Bruce Apple both of Newton, Illinois

3 Grandchildren - Kiley Gordon (fiancé John Bierman) of Teutopolis, Illinois; Breyton (Tara) Apple of Newton, Illinois; Brittany Frank (fiancé Travis Coulter) of Newburgh, Indiana.

5 Great Grandchildren - Kiel Apple of Newton, Illinois; Gabe Gordon of Teutopolis, Illinois; Russell Apple of Newton, Illinois; Jackson Bierman of Teutopolis, Illinois and Zella L. Apple of Newton, Illinois.

Sister – Thelma Keller of Flora, Illinois

Sister-in-law - Nancy (Van) Munsey of Gulf Shores, Alabama

Zella was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers and sisters.