Zella Sullivan

Zella Marie Sullivan, longtime resident of Ponca City and Red Rock communities, passed Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at the Ponca City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 106.

Zella was born September 7, 1908 at Payson, Oklahoma, Lincoln County, the daughter of John Tanksley and Ida May (Wilhelm) Tanksley. She attended the Red Rock School until the eighth grade. After joining the work force, Zella worked at the Red Rock Post Office and Red Rock School cafeteria. Zella also had worked for the Ponca City Nursing Home as housekeeper in the late 1970's.

She was married to W.O. "Red" Sullivan on December 27, 1926 in Perry, Oklahoma. The couple made their first home in Oxford, Kansas. Zella was a former member of the First Baptist Church of Red Rock and later a member of Sunset Baptist Church in Ponca City. She was a longtime member of the Country Music Makers. Her enjoyments included crocheting and dancing. She attended many dances in the area, even in her late years. The many years of dancing had a very positive impact on the life of her family. As a child she would dance with her family to the music on a battery powered radio.

She is survived by her daughter, Martha Miner of rural Ponca City; grandchildren Danny Miner and wife Tonda, of Pawnee, Pamela Miner of Perry, Mark Miner and wife Delphine, of Ponca City, Bill Miner and wife Darelyn, of Perry, and Terry Miner and wife Donnetta, of Pawnee; step-grandchildren John Miner and wife Janis, of Pawnee and Connie Johnson and husband Don, of Dallas; many great and great great grandchildren and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1976; one daughter, Fern Miner; sisters Irene Patton and Minnie Greer; brother Sam Tanksley; grandson Melvin Miner; great granddaughter McKala Miner; great great granddaughter Halli Tessman; sons-in-law Burton Miner and P.J. Miner.

Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Red Rock Cemetery with the Red Rock Otoe Baptist Church Pastor Jimmy Kenner presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Research, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104

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