Marcella Ann Zumbrunnen, 96, Leawood, KS, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at St. Luke's Hospice House. Celebration of life will be at Southwood United Church of Christ (7904 Raytown Road, Raytown, MO) at 11:00 Wednesday morning, June 17, followed by graveside services at Newcomer's Floral Hills Cemetery (7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO). The family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 10:00.
Marcella was born May 26, 1930, in Jamesport, MO, to Gay and Jessie Nickell and was raised on a farm with her brothers in Jameson, MO. She married Donald Zumbrunnen on Thanksgiving Day in 1954, and they were married 58 years until Don's death in 2012. They had one daughter, Judy.
Marcella left Jameson the day after she graduated high school in 1948 and moved to Kansas City to take a job with the Federal Reserve, where she worked for eight years. Once Judy was born, Marcella maintained a variety of jobs that allowed her to focus on her family. In 1973, she went to work for the Marine Corps, where she stayed until her retirement in 1992.
Once Marcella left working life, she became an avid golfer, had more time for yoga, walked with friends, traveled with Don, talked books with Judy, and cheered on the Royals through thick and thin.
Marcella was preceded in death by husband Don; parents Gay and Jessie Nickell; and brothers Marvin, Bud, and Ken.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Garth Ellett, Prairie Village, KS, step-granddaughter Angela Ellett, great-grandson Jacob Schnoebelen, and a host of nieces and nephews of which she was justifiably proud. She also held close to her heart her friends at Town Village of Leawood and Teetering Rocks, where she was one of the Teetering Rockettes, and at Southwood United Church of Christ, where she was a longtime member.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Southwood United Church of Christ or Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP).
Arrangements are by Newcomer's Floral Hills.
