Beverly Ann Zellner of Wilson, Okla., passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on April 9, 2024, at the age of 85.

Beverly was born on May 13, 1938 in Cleburne, Texas, to parents Lloyd Clarence and Mary Lee Williams. She married Litsey "Leon" Zellner in 1956 at the age of 17. Together, they raised four children while moving from state to state for Leon's career. The family lived in Oklahoma, Maryland, Ohio, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, and Texas before finally retiring to Lone Grove, Oklahoma.

Beverly loved collecting dishes, antiques, and furniture. She loved to decorate and redecorate her home, and could often be found moving heavy furniture around the room until it was just right. She was a voracious reader and would be happy to relate the entire plot of whatever book she was reading at the time as if the characters were good friends. She enjoyed watching animals and birds from her window and always had homemade cornbread on hand for one lucky squirrel who visited her patio daily looking for his treat. She loved preparing meals for family visits, making brownies, and most of all, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; brother Thomas "Bubba" Williams; sisters Patricia Miller and Betty Lou Harrison; grandson Nicholas Willis; and her beloved husband of 68 years, Litsey Leon Zellner. She is survived by her children, Cathy Lee Masella and husband Dan, Terri Willis and husband Martin Pennock, Susan Elizabeth Hall and husband Rodney, and John Matthew Zellner and wife Jamie; grandchildren Joshua, Anthony, and Justin Masella; Christopher Willis; Wynton, Mallory, and John Zellner; Sarah (Hall) Johnson, and Jonathan Hall; and 16 great-grandchildren: Avaleigh, Jackson, Genevieve, Kealand, Haley, Dakota, Mariella, Beverly, Salem, George, and Sophia Masella; Madeline and Lakeston Willis; Jaden and Josalyn Carbajol, and Logan Lopez; and one great-great granddaughter, OakLeigh Masella.

Beverly had a warm, welcoming spirit, a great sense of humor, and a hearty laugh that could fill the room. She was a loving and generous woman and matriarch of a large and growing family who will feel her absence for years to come.

Beverly will be laid to rest at a graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at 1 p.m. on April 20, 2024.