Marzella Ann Hoard

     Marzella Ann "Zellie" Hoard, age 87, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Arbor Grove Assisted Living, Alma, Michigan.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, March 31, 2025, with Pastor Mark Monroe officiating. Burial will take place at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 3-7 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Zellie was born in Ithaca, Michigan on November 1, 1937, the daughter of Earl Russell and Marjorie Marie (Harlow) Thum. She graduated from Ithaca High School with the Class of 1956. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Ithaca Clinic and Shults Equipment for many years. On October 6, 1956, Zellie married Milton Francis Hoard at the Ithaca Methodist Church. They were married fifty-three years prior to his passing on February 7, 2010.
     Zellie loved to golf (she scored 3 holes-in-one) and going to the casino (she always "broke even"). She enjoyed spending time on the lake. She was an avid fan of MSU, Detroit Tigers, and the Ithaca Yellowjackets. Zellie and Milt enjoyed winters in Florida for many years.
     Zellie is survived by three children: Mark (Karen) Hoard, Shelle (Rick) O'Hara, and Mindy Hoard; five grandchildren: Scott (Melody) O'Hara, Mark O'Hara, Cindy (Tyler) Moomey, Matt Hoard, and Jared Hoard; five great-grandchildren: Kimberly, Lochlan, Adelaide, Landon, and Connor; her sister Linda (Dave) Carpenter, sister-in-law Mary Thum, brother-in-law Carlisle Hoard, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Milton, great-grandson Ian, four siblings: Belva, LeRoy, Harlow (Phyllis), and Marvin, and sister-in-law Beverly Berry.
     The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to The CareTeam Hospice and Arbor Grove AFC, especially her dear friend "Mel-Belle."
     In memory of her great-grandson Ian, memorials may be made to Pardee Cancer Fund - 315 E. Warwick Dr., Alma, MI 48801. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.