Wheeler Funeral Home

26 Church Street Oakland, Maine 04963

207-465-3011

Oakland: Zella Marie Longley 94 died Thursday March 27, 2014 at her Oakland Home.

She was born in Eustis on January 15, 1920 the daughter of Ziba and Merlie "Edna" (Kennedy) Davis. Zella and her sister Zelma were brought up on the Davis Farm in Madison. She attended school in a one-room building about a mile from home and she walked back and forth regardless of weather. She graduated from Madison Memorial High School in 1939, and married Forrest Longley on December 24, 1941.

During the war years, they lived in the southern part of the state, (Cape Neddick) and New Hampshire. Forrest was employed by Central Maine Power and Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard.

In the late 50's and early 60's she and Forrest operated Zella s Store and Fillling Station in West Farmington. In the late 60's they moved back to the family farm, where they cared for her mother and father until their passing, and raised sheep. Zella spent many hours bottle feeding "her babies". In 1977, she and her husband moved to Oakland.

Zella and Forrest had their own snowmobiles, often traveling many many miles. They were also great campers, pulling their camper along endless highways. Some of her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, tatting, working on puzzles, and reading.

Zella was involved with the Madison and Skowhegan Granges, always preferring to stay involved with her community. She was a spirtualist, working diligently in the churches and spiritualist camps. She served in many capacities, one being president.

Zella was a people person. When she became unable to get out and about, it was a difficult time for her. In past months, she required 24 hour care and loved having so many people around her.

Zella was predeceased by her husband Forrest, in 1982. Her sister, Zelma Bickford, son in law Howard Keene, special cousin Rodney Tupper, her dear companion, Woody Luce, her oldest and dearest friend Harriett Gurney, and Zella s precious doggie, HunBun.

Surviving are her son Herman Longley and wife Suzie of Fairfield Center, her son Francis Longley of Saco, her daughter Phylllis Keene of Skowhegan, her grandchildren; Glen Heald of Oakland, Heidi Libby and husband Bruce of Ohio, William Longley of Norridgewock, Earlene Thompson and husband Dale of Skowhegan, and nine great grandchildren. Thank you Teshia.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Charlebois for his home visits, Larry thank you for your many years of care and support, Her night time caregivers, Lisa and Nikki, we couldn t have managed without your love and care. Eleanor, who was originally her senior companion and became one of Zella s best friends. "Cinderella", your years of love and devotion are heartwarming. Thank you to Claudine and Mike. Mike her adopted grandson, for the years you were there everytime she needed you, you are very aware of the special love you shared. Ida, what would we have done without you, you loved her and eased our loads, especially Zella s. Thank you also for introducing "Sammy" whose awareness and devotion meant so much to mom. She repeatedly said "Ida s my family too. Indeed you are.

And how do we thank the incredible, amazing, hospice team, Julieann, Danyelle, Michelle, Onneke, Kim, Kathy, Lori, Jessie, Janice, and Teresa. You are some of the best people in the world. We could not have coped without you. God bless each and every one of you-we love you.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM on May 16 at the Solon Village Cemetery. Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Oakland. Www.wheelerfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels C/O Muskie Center 38 Gold Street Waterville, ME 04901 or Maine General Hospice and Volunteers of Kennebec County P.O. Box 828 Waterville, ME. 04903-0828