Elizabeth Tellian

Elizabeth (Zakian) Tellian was born in South Milwaukee, WI on February 28, 1925. After moving to Yettem at the age of six with her parents, Manoug and Nazlu Zakian, she attended and graduated from Yettem Grammar School. She attended Visalia High School her freshman year. The family then moved to Monson, CA in 1939, after which she graduated from Dinuba High School in 1943.

Liz met Abe Tellian in 1944 while Abe was on leave from Alaska where he was serving in the Aleutian Islands. Ironically, their mother’s pushed their baby carriages side by side in South Milwaukee and both their fathers served in the French Foreign Legion together. Liz and Abe were married on May 19, 1946. In 1951 they started a photography studio and worked in Orosi, until their retirement in 1994. Abe was the photographer and Liz was the colorist.

Elizabeth was a member of St. Mary’s Ladies Society. She served as corresponding and recording secretary. She also was a Sunday School teacher in the early 60’s. At the time of her death, she was serving on the executive board of St. Mary’s Ladies Society.

Elizabeth is survived by her sons, Michael Tellian of Visalia, CA and Ted (Amy) Tellian of Clayton, CA. She was grandmother to Jared (Kelsie) Tellian of Paso Robles, CA, Justin Tellian of NY, Courtney Tellian and Kevin Tellian of Clayton, CA and Tori Tellian of Shaver Lake, CA . She was great-grandmother to Grace, Blake and Paisley Tellian of Paso Robles, CA. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Lue and Bob Kroeckel of Hayward, CA. , her brother-in-law Bill Kohler of Tracy, CA and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Abe Tellian, her sister Anna Kohler and her grandson Chad Tellian.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mary’s Arminian Church of Yettem, on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 10:00am follow by graveside at Smith Mountain Cemetery of Dinuba, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church located at 14395 Avenue 384, Yettem, or mail to P.O. Box 367, Yettem, CA 93670 in her memory.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.