Zella M. Challen

ZELLA M. CHALLEN

Mount Pleasant

Zella M. Challen, formerly of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, at Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, Fla. Zella was born in Henry County, Iowa, to Frances Burke Mallams and Myrtle E. (Purdy) Mallams on June 24, 1920. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1938.

After graduating, she worked at Scarf Produce and Fuel. One day while she was working, the man who would become her husband, Rama Challen, poked his head in the office and said "Good Morning, Y'all." They were married Feb. 14, 1944. The couple made their home in Mount Pleasant, where Rama opened Challen Accounting firm and raised their family.

Zella taught at Humpty Dumpty Pre-School for several years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant, where she taught Sunday school and became a member of the former Memarco class. She also was an original member of the Threattenes Bridge Club along with being a member of several other bridge groups. Zella was a Girl Scout Brownie Troop Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother.

There were many crafts that Zella enjoyed: toll painting, cake decorating, crocheting, embroidering and quilting. She would make red hearts for patients recovering from heart surgery, afghans for shelters and crocheted caps for newborns. She always found a way to give back.

Zella and Rama spent winters in Stuart, Fla., after retiring Jan. 1, 1985. Due to health issues, they moved to Port Charlotte, Fla., to be closer to family. Over her lifetime, she shared treasured friendships. Family was a priority to Zella, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her special joys.

Zella was preceded in death by her husband, Rama; son, Gary Challen; and great-grandson, Luke Challen.

Survivors include her sons, Carter (Amy) Challen and John Challen; grandchildren, Eric (Rona) Challen and their sons, Jacob and Jordan, and Phil (Jennifer) Challen and their children, Lexi and Caleb; along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life memorial service at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641; or to a local Hospice organization. Online condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.