Mrs. Kathryn "Kay" Ruth Thomas Zell, 87, of Lebanon, went to be with Jesus Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, while listening to her favorite songs.

Kay was born April 11, 1933, in Larwill, IN to Walter and Elsie (Schaef) Thomas. She was married to Donald Zell on May 27, 1951 and they later divorced. They lived in Boone County and raised tomatoes and had the Lost Rd. Saddle Club.

Kay was a preacher's daughter, mother, grandmother, farmers wife, Sunday School teacher, cook and friend. She loved nature, art and reading. She graduated from Swayzee High School and Indiana Business College and retired from the Boone County Soil and Water Conservation office at the age of 72.

Survivors include her children, Abraham Zell of Lebanon, Ron (Patti) Zell and Dan (Rosie) Zell of Darlington, Tim Zell of Florida, Donna Wolfe of Colfax, and Julie (Harry) Clanton of Lebanon; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Carita Blunk and Evangeline Smith, a brother John Thomas, grandson Jacob Zell, and great grands Tyler Worley and Charlie Worley.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 noon in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Kay will be laid to rest at Bethel Hill Cemetery in Thorntown. You are invited to visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shalom House, 304 W. Green St., Lebanon, IN 46052 or Gideons International. P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN  37214-0800.