Evelyn Lena Clouse-Zella

Evelyn L. Clouse-Zella, 96, Rapid River, passed away on March 18, 2014 at the home of her son. She was born on April 23, 1917 the daughter of Charles and Ida (Zorzy) Oslund. Evelyn graduated from Escanaba High School in 1935 after attending school in a one room school house in Groos, MI. Evelyn worked at the Orion Township Library for many years and also Dancer's Department Store in downtown Lake Orion. After retiring she moved back to her beloved Upper Peninsula where she took up her long time hobbies of reading and cooking. Her family and friends always looked forward to her gifts of delicious baked goods and her famous venison stew. She loved flower gardening and always had blooms around her. Evelyn was among the last of her generation who made do with what was at hand, who saw friends and relatives off to a great war, and who built a solid foundation for those coming behind them. She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Evelyn is survived by her children, Suzanne (late Billy G.) Trammel of Tennessee, Kim (Linda) Clouse of Rapid River, Mack (late Bonnie) Clouse of Florida, Robert (Barbara) Clouse of Battle Creek, MI, and Joel (Linda Fore) Clouse of Arkansas; brother, Richard (Karen) Oslund of Marquette; 23 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren, and nine great great grandchildren. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Evert L. Clouse and Charles Zella; infant daughter, Jeanne Clouse; son, Gary Clouse; brother, Charles Oslund, Jr.; and sister, Francis Swanson. Visitation will be held at the Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home in Lake Orion, MI on Friday, March 21, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A service celebrating Evelyn's life will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home.