DOLORES VAUGHN ZELLER

Dolores Jean Vaughn was born to L.R. “Dick” and Phyllis Vaughn in Coldwater, Michigan on June 15, 1932. She had one sister, Sandra Lee Vaughn. From the age of five, Dolly moved with her family many times in her life and the final move was to Alpena in 1946 where she started her life here by attending 9th grade at Alpena High School. Dolly was Winter Sports Queen in 1950 and went on to become runner up for Miss Michigan. She graduated from Alpena High School in that same year. While still attending her senior year she became employed at Alpena Savings Bank.

Dolly married Wm “Bill” Blackburn Zeller on June 16, 1951, and they had two sons, David Lee and Wm “Bill” Vaughn Zeller. David resides in Alpena and Bill resides in Virginia. Dolly and Bill have two granddaughters, Sarah and Stacy Zeller. Dolly has one great-grandson, Landen Thomas Hawley. Brandon Hawley is Stacy Zeller’s fiance. Dolly was preceded in death by her husband Bill on Jan. 1, 2004, her mother and father, and sister.

Dolly worked various departments with her husband at the Zeller Agency until retiring in 1991. The business was started by Bill’s grandfather Blackburn in 1899 and was in business until 1991.

Dolly was very active in her church and community. As a member of the First Congregational Church, she served as president of the Women’s Fellowship, secretary-treasurer of the Cheboygan Association, chairman of the Board of Trustees (first woman to act as chairman), chairman of the Board of Deacons, Pilgrim Fellowship sponsor and served on many other boards and committees. Dolly served on the committee of three to establish the Memorial Garden and did the planting and weeding of the grounds for eight years.

Dolly was a charter member of the League of Women Voters and served as membership chair, vice president, bulletin editor, nominating committee and many other committees. Also, advisor to the state committee on environmental quality.

Dolly was a Tray Club member and served as secretary. She worked on the Mother’s March and Muscular Dystrophy. Served on the Board of Child and Family Services. She was family planning chairman for Alpena County. She loved birds and was a life member of the Audubon Society. Charter member of the Hospital Auxiliary. Charter member of the Thunder Bay Environmental Council, charter member of the pro-choice Coalition and she served on the Founders Society of the Besser Museum of Northeast Michigan.

Dolly instigated a support group for the family and friends of the schizophrenic which later became the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Northeast Michigan. She served as president eight years until her husband became ill. Dolly was an avid bridge player belonging to many groups. She had many wonderful meals with her four potluck groups. In 2000, she and Phyllis Manitz started the Chapter VIII Book Club which is ongoing. They have a membership of eight women which prompted the name.

Memorial visitation will be held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the memorial service at 12 noon with the Rev. Dr. Robert Case officiating. Per her wishes, cremation will be handled by Bannan Funeral Home. Burial will be next to her husband in the Memorial Garden that she loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in her memory to the Dolly and Bill Zeller Endowment Fund at Community Foundation.