Zella Ann Longcrier

Zella Ann Reed Longcrier at the age of 87 (just days before her 88th birthday) passed peacefully into heaven, surrounded by her family members, at her farm, in Kansas Oklahoma.  Zella was born February 20,1934 in Kansas Oklahoma to Lloyd Reed and Nina Williams Reed.  Zella was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother who spent her life loving her family and serving her Lord faithfully. Zella and her husband Eugene Raymond Longcrier, whom she is now united with in heaven, met at Kansas High School and married in August after their graduation in 1952. 

They lived their young adult lives in Borger Texas where they raised their surviving children, Ninetta Stewart, Eugenia VanDyck and Lloyd Longcrier.

Zella always had a desire to help others so when her youngest child started school she too started back to school at Frank Phillips College in Borger Texas. She finished her nursing degree In 1969  from Northwest University School of Nursing in Amarillo Texas (where by the way she received a plaque for being voted "class favorite'').  Zella took her RN degree and worked in the Emergency and Operating room of the North Plains Hospital in Borger.  Later in her career she taught in the nursing program at Frank Phillips College. 

 Zella loved teaching, in fact one of the highlights of her life was when she started teaching the "Young Adult Class" at church. This class grew and as the "young adults" became older they would not leave her class so they just had to keep expanding her space.  Many came to know Jesus during the years she taught. She was selfless and gave of her time and money to anyone in need. No one was insignificant to Zella! Many times she took the sick and the destitute into her own home and nursed them back to health.  She called helping others "Her greatest Joy".  In fact she wrote a small book about the joy of giving.  

Upon retirement they moved back to Kansas Oklahoma where she continued to serve others including her family members. She and Eugene were members of "The Assembly Church" in Siloam Springs Arkansas. While attending this church she finally roped her husband into her vision and they both went on a mission trip to build a church on a reservation in New Mexico. Zella was a behind the scenes person but the impact of her passing will touch many and she won't be forgotten easily.  

Zella had two siblings, Mary Sue Groomer who preceded her in death and surviving sister Lois Hudspath.  Zella is survived by her 3 children. Seven Grandchildren, Jessica, Allison, Bethany, Christy, Sklyer, Katilyn and Ethan.  Eight Great Grandchildren, Makayla, Lindsey, Hannah, Tristan, Cohen, Mavrik, River and Opal .  She also is survived by many friends and family members who adored her.