Zella Mortensen Schramm, age 89, passed away comfortably at home in Cedar City Utah on November 18, 2025. Zella was born in Parowan Utah on September 13, 1936, to Bart Mortensen and Vera Robinson. Bart and Vera had 7 children: Brothers Norman and Wayne; and sisters Lila, Elma, Florence, Dolline and Zella.
As a child, she spent her time playing sports, gardening with her dad, camping at Panguitch Lake, and was outside much of the time. She was known for her sweet nature and loving personality. Zella grew up having close relationships with all her brothers and sisters. She was a cheerleader for Parowan high school and again for the College of Southern Utah. She also was selected as the Queen of her sorority.
Zella was a life member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She held several positions in Relief Society, Ward Librarian, and handled clothing in Baptistry. She made hundreds of baby blankets for new mothers.
Zella loved others deeply and she enjoyed every moment she was able to spend with friends and family. She was passionate about genealogy and family history. She was also known for her excellent seamstress skills (many times on foot peddle sewing machines), embroidery, crochet, including beautiful quilts and her Levi blankets. She enjoyed bowling, camping and fishing. Nobody went without having a snack and a good meal. She was a card shark (especially at pinochle), master of puzzles, checkers and most board games. She had a quick wit and a very subtle yet funny sense of humor. She made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
She had numerous occupations throughout her life; she taught sewing classes, she was a clerk at an office supply store, ran a cabin and fishing lodge at Puffers Lake in the Beaver mountains cooking on a wood stove, and kept everybody in the Schramm household in line.
Zella married Darryl Schramm in the St. George temple on June 18, 1955. They were married for over 70 years. Zella and Darryl had four children: Lori, Scott (deceased), Gary and Kevin.
Zella is survived by her loving husband Darryl, her daughter Lori of Cedar, her son Gary from Cedar and Kevin (Adrienne) from Colorado. She also had 14 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents from Parowan, siblings and her son Scott, from Santa Clara Utah.
We would like to thank all the doctors and nurses that have helped over the last few years. Your care was very much appreciated!
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 22nd at 11:00am at the LDS Green’s Lake Chapel, 1120 W. Green Lake Dr in Cedar City. Viewing will be held prior to funeral services beginning at 9:00am at the church. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.