Ruth Ellen Zellner

Ruth Ellen Zellner, age 80 of Rockford, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. Ruth was a member of Faithway Fellowship Church and truly loved helping people especially the youth and children. Her passion was spending time with her family. Formerly she was a key punch operator for a number of years. Ruth was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Nina and Frank Dunlap and her brother, James Dunlap; Survivors include her husband of 49 years, David Zellner of Rockford, TN; sons and daughter-in-law, Mark and Sarah Zellner of Louisville, TN, and Jason Zellner of Manitowoc, WI; daughter, Emily Zellner of Rockford, TN; grandchildren, Logan Zellner, Gracie Zellner, Brayden Zellner, Jayden Zellner, Kaydence Phipps Zellner, and Kaveryn Phipps Zellner; sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Val Smith of Alcoa, TN; 2 fur babies, Panda and Kasey; nieces, nephews, and other family also. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 6;00 until 7:00 PM at Faithway Fellowship Church with a Celebration of Ruth’s life to follow at 7:00 PM. Condolences may be shared through Smith funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com