Ila “Fae” Zeller

Ila “Fae” Zeller, 94, of Highland, IL, died Monday, December 9, 2024, at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, IL, with her family by her side.

She was born September 27, 1930, in Latham, MO to James and Mildred (Nee Clark) Vaught. On August 19, 1950, she married Melvin Zeller at Salem United Church of Christ, Alhambra, IL.

Fae was formerly from Granite City, IL. She graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1948, and from SIU Carbondale and Edwardsville with a master’s degree in 1973. She was a member and taught Sunday School for 16 years at Evangelical United Church of Christ, served as a Girl Scout Leader, member of Highland Historical Society, American Legion Auxiliary, Highland Business and Professional Women. The Highland Jaycee’s honored her as their Outstanding Citizen of Highland in 1979, Highland BPW’s Woman of Achievement in 1978, and Boss of the Year in 1981, the Outstanding Working Woman of Illinois Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs 1990 and 1991. Fae served as the only Woman Director at Eagle (Regions) Bank of Highland and a past Director of Fatih Countryside Home and Volunteer at Hitz Memorial Home.

She worked in Cost Accounting at The Granite City Engineer Depot, was a Cosmetologist and Cosmetologist Teacher, and was a Director and Librarian for 19 years at Louis Latzer Memorial Public Library. She cared about Education, Women’s Rights and kept politically and culturally current.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mildred Vaught; husband, Melvin Zeller (June 21, 2002); brothers, Glen, Melvin, Robert Imboden; sisters, Mildred Bartels, Irma Rutledge, Marjorie Caringer, Alice Jensen.

Fae is survived by her son, Tim (Robin) Zeller, Highland, IL; sisters, Lois Ambuel, Highland, IL, Shirley Collmann, Glen Carbon, IL, Peggy (Dennis) Bruggemann, Alhambra, IL, Claire (Mike) Risley, Sarasota, FL; and brother, Phil (Betty) Imboden, Highland, IL.

Memorials may be made to Latzer Library and Highland Area Christian Service Ministry.

Visitation: Friday, December 13, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Funeral: Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 am at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Interment: Salem United Church of Christ Cemetery, Alhambra, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.