Obituary of Zella Edith Coyle

Zella Edith (Leach) Coyle passed away at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater on Saturday, July 11, just over a month short of her 98th birthday. Zella was born on August 14, 1917 in Fairmont, ND to James and Victoria Eva (West) Leach. She graduated from Fairmont High School. She later moved to Lexington, IL, where she met her future husband H. Woodrow (Woody) Coyle. They were married in 1939 and were blessed to reach a milestone that few couples achieve when they celebrated their 76th anniversary this past March 7th. Zella lived her life taking care of everyone around her. During the years her family farmed in the Walworth area, Zella's legendary breakfasts drew extra plates set for fellas who worked on their days off just to have one of her Sunday waffles and milk testers who planned their visits to coincide with Wednesday Pancakes. Whether during a quick visit or for a holiday celebration, lucky family and friends enjoyed delicious treats from Zella's kitchen. Pans of perfect homemade yeast rolls (she called them her "buns"), delicate fluffy angel food cakes, sweet jams and jellies, hearty comforting chicken and homemade noodles...meals by Zella served atop her beautiful hand-cross-stitched tablecloths were events not to be missed. Zella kept the books for Coylehaven Farms until she turned 92 years old, using only a ledger and adding machine, in her graceful penmanship and a circle, rather than a dot, on each letter i. If she wasn't at her desk or her stove, Zella could be found at a Whitewater High School sporting event. Woody and Zella took their places in the stands at volleyball and basketball games or in their chairs behind the ump at baseball and softball games. Their support and loyal attendance earned them the honors of being chosen Grandpa and Grandma Whippet. Zella, in her signature purple, always had an accurate score and running stats, as well as some color commentary shared in quiet side remarks. And, on Sundays, she made time to watch her favorite NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon, burn up the track. Zella lived a blessed life, spending her days doing what she loved: nourishing her family with food and guidance, understanding and encouragement, lessons and loyalty. She will be missed, never forgotten and always loved. Zella is survived by Woody, her loving husband of 76 years; daughter Yvonne (Claude) Riggs of Mesa, AZ; sons John (Judy)Coyle of Shell Lake, WI; Woody (Lynn)Coyle, and Rob Coyle (Josie Czerpak) all of Whitewater; seven grandchildren: Pam (Chris) Jones; Ron (Kimberly) Riggs; Erin (Bill) Esbeck; Jared (Stephanie) Coyle; Jeffrey Coyle; April Olson; and Bill (Brittany) Coyle; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Zella was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dode Patton, and brother Jimmie Leach. A visitation to celebrate Zella�s life will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home from 3 to 6PM on Friday, July 17 with a private graveside service for family on Saturday with Rev. Jerald Wendt officiating. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family would appreciate memorials to the LaGrange Fire Department or to Fairhaven Senior Services.