Zella Barbara Knoblauch

Zella Barbara Knoblauch, age 70, of Metamora, IL, formerly of Lowpoint, IL, passed away at 7:28 pm on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Snyder Village Health Center in Metamora.

She was born on August 20, 1954, in Peoria, IL, to Gerald N. and Barbara Ann (Clark) Knoblauch.

Surviving are her siblings, Connie Knoblauch of Metamora, Judi (James "Skip") Beck of Peoria, Russel Knoblauch of Metamora, Eric (Denise) Knoblauch and Kentin (Kathleen) Knoblauch both of Lowpoint, and Herbert (Susan) Knoblauch of Washington; nieces and nephews, Melinda (Paul) Beck, M. Michael (Timothy) Damery, Kristin (Ian) Kang, Courtney (John) Seiter, Andrew (Lindsay) Knoblauch, Kaitlyn (Brock) Berogan, Joshua (Kelly) Knoblauch, Jonathan Knoblauch, Korte (Phil) Knoblauch, Kayla (Andrew) Wold, and Kyle Knoblauch; and seventeen great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, both sets of grandparents, all of her immediate aunts and uncles, and one nephew, Evan Knoblauch.

Zella attended a five year program at St. Coletta of Wisconsin from age 9 to 13. On return to the Knoblauch family home, she attended Eureka Middle School and graduated from Eureka High School.

Zella worked on a large family farm located in rural Lowpoint helping in the garden and gathering eggs in the family's commercial establishment of 30,000 chickens. She babysat for nieces, nephews, and neighbors' children and enjoyed playing games with them. Zella was a Pied Piper for the farm cats. She especially loved the many dogs the family had over the years.

Zella was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Washburn. She and her mom, Barbara, also attended St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora. She was also a member of the Woodford County Home Extension. She also enjoyed tatting and playing her organ.

After her stroke, Zella looked forward to the weekend of Stroke Camp (Refresh and Retreat with Stroke Alliance) every summer. This was her annual vacation with other stroke survivors and caretakers, enjoying games, skits, songs, and great food.

Zella and her mom moved off the Farm in 2008 to Snyder Village Retirement Community. While at Snyder Village, Zella painted pictures in acrylic and watercolors. She shared her talents by providing the family with gifts of tatting and pictures she painted. A Cub fan, Zella enjoyed watching the games on TV. Zella loved taking pictures for her many picture albums. She also had quite a collection of CDs and DVDs.

The family thanks the staff at Snyder Village in Metamora for their loving care and kindness during the time that Zella was a resident at Assisted Living and then at the Health Center.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora with Father Kipfer officiating. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 9:45 am with visitation to follow until time of mass, also on Saturday at the church. Burial of Ashes will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora following the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp, 2000 West Pioneer Parkway, No. 16, Peoria, IL 61615, Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund, 1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora, IL 61548, or to St. Mary's Catholic Church for Masses, 415 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548. Arrangements and cremation have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home in Metamora. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp
2000 West Pioneer Parkway, No. 16, Peoria IL 61615

Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund
1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora IL 61548

St. Mary's Catholic Church for Masses
415 West Chatham Street, Metamora IL 61548