Amy C. Zeller, 86, passed away peacefully from complications from COPD and Alzheimer’s on Monday, Jan.11, 2021, at her daughter Karen’s home in Morgantown.
Born in Northwoods, N.D., to George and Borghild Doyle on Nov. 4, 1934, Amy was the youngest of six siblings. While she often recalled the difficulty of bitter winters, Amy also talked fondly of waking up on those cold mornings to her mother baking homemade bread in her wood-stoked stove. The family later moved to Larimore, N.D., where she grew up.
Amy shined especially brightly in high school where she was a member of her school’s cheerleading squad and a popular student. She also enjoyed working at Sethrie’s café after school, waiting tables and filling coffee cups. Amy also fell in love with the Catholic Church at this time and credited her faith for helping her get through tough times.
After graduating high school, she attended nurses’ training at the University of North Dakota, where she met and fell for the love of her life, Fred Zeller II, who was an economics student and a talented musician. She dropped out of nurses training to marry Fred in 1954 and later moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., while Fred finished active duty in the Army. While in Colorado, she gave birth to son, Fred Zeller III, and daughter, Karen. The family moved to Columbus, Ohio, so Fred senior could earn his Ph.D. in industrial relations from Ohio State, an achievement that Amy was particularly proud of.
The family moved to Morgantown in 1965 when Fred was named director of Labor Studies at West Virginia University. In addition to being an outstanding homemaker, Amy loved working with various charities and hosting dinner parties for various functions. She also was known for her pecan rolls, which she made from scratch and delivered to friends each Christmas. She loved attending local dances, participating in plays and attending concerts at WVU’s Creative Arts Center and Pittsburgh’s Heinz Hall.
Later, she developed an interest in real estate and obtained her licensure as a realtor and broker. In the 1980s, she and fellow associate and friend, Anita Lewis, opened Morgantown Realty, a successful business that existed for years.
When not working in real estate, she became an outstanding gardener. She also loved fitness and attended exercise classes in the Cheat area for years. She and Fred, with daughter Karen, took care of her mother for several years.
When Fred died in 1997, she travelled with various friends to places around the United States, most notably Las Vegas, Hawaii, Minnesota, Florida and Texas. She also travelled to Paris, France, with a friend, where she fondly recalled people-watching at sidewalk cafes and good wine. She also established a cottage on Lake Sybil in Minnesota, where she would travel to each summer and visit friends and family.
Amy was personable, spirited and kind. She will always be remembered for her wit, loyalty to friends and family and for her ability to work hard toward her goals.
Amy is survived by son, Dr. Fred Zeller III (Marsha), of Shelby, N.C.; daughter, Karen Zeller, of Morgantown; and grandsons, Taylor Zeller (Jacqueline), of Los Angeles, Jerry Zeller, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Walt Zeller, of Cincinnati. She also is survived by brothers, Edward Doyle, of North Dakota, and Robert Doyle, of San Antonio, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; brothers, Richard Doyle and Jim Doyle; and sister, Kathleen “Sis” Scott.
Amy was entrusted to Dering-Henson Funeral Home and was laid to rest during a private service at Beverly Hills Memorial Garden. Special thanks to caregiver, Kim Schultz Parks, Visiting Homemaker Services, Morgantown Hospice and the staff of Mon Health Medical Center. Those who wish, can make donations in her honor to Visiting Homemaker Services, Brockway Ave. Morgantown, WV 26505.
