Zella Gresham

Zella Marie Gresham was born on May 29, 1930 in Sweet Springs, MO., the daughter of Earl Frances and Yneta Myrta (Hughes) Gatewood. She married Joe Wesley Gresham on April 25, 1945 in Rosedale, KS. Throughout the years Zella made many friends as she worked at many establishments in Sedalia, beginning as a teenager at the Bothwell Hotel. She and her husband Joe also owned and operated several eating establishments in town. At the time of her retirement she had been operating a day care center. She was baptized in 1976 and for nearly 40 years was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She loved her blessed Savior, His word, and her church family. Zella fell asleep in her beloved Jesus on June 22, 2015 while visiting her son in Fort Worth, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Ronnie Dean Gresham; daughter Sandra Sue Gresham; three brothers, Virgil, Lloyd, Earl James (Jr.) Gatewood; and sister, Edith Mullins. To cherish her memory she leaves her devoted children, Joe (Mary) Gresham of Fort Worth, TX; Linda (Jim) Lockhart of Casselberry, FL; Danny (Carlyn) Gresham of Sedalia, MO; Tonya Willis of Windsor, MO; Cheryl (Brad) Lehmeyer of Sedalia, MO; and Julie Strieth of Belton, MO; 27 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; and several great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends across the United States. Zella was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.