Zella McKinney

Zella Mildred Stark McKinney, 92, went to be with the Lord on December 6, 2024.  What a reunion it was with all her family and friends welcoming her home.

Graveside service will be held at Westlawn Memorial Park at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, with Rev. Ricky Griffin officiating under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the funeral home in Fritch.

In lieu of flowers, her memory may be honored with a donation to Life Challenge of Amarillo, 6500 Hope Road, Amarillo, Texas 79119; or Living Benevolence, 103 W 4th in Borger, Texas 79007.

Zella as born June 16, 1932, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma at the family's old home place.  Zella was #9 of 11 children born to Elmer Freed Stark and Angie Martha (James) Stark.

Zella was raised by hard working parents who instilled the value of honest and hard work in her and a value she modeled for her family every day.

Zella moved to Fritch, Texas in 1958 living on South Railroad Street and in turn moving to South Cornell where she raised her family.  Zella worked for Iker Laundry Service for many years doing alterations.  She then went to work for Pioneer Natural Gas Co (which changed to Atmos Energy) in Fritch.  After she retired from Atmos in 1987, she went to work for Brinson Developers collecting water bill payments.  She retired in 1995 from Brinson's to travel with her sisters for many years.

Zella was an active member of First Southern Baptist Church of Fritch for many years until her health started to fail.  She taught Sunday School in the youth, Jr High and School girls, and attended the Dorcus ladies Sunday School class.  She sang in the choir for many years and also sang in a quartet which included WD Kay, Danny Lowe, Bettye Rowe and Peggy Lowe, pianist.

Zella's greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She loved spending quality time with each one of them.  She loved going to Borger and helping out at Living Waters Ministry handing out clothing and food at least two to three times a week.  She loved helping others during their time of need.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Elmer Stark, Adolphus Stark, Thomas Stark, Ross Stark, and Bill Stark.  Sisters Helen Rush, Grace Wilson, Luvina Armstrong, Florence Effinger, and Imogene Ross, son-in-law Jerry Shuffield and grandson, Cody Shuffield.

Survivors include her daughter, Kathryn Shuffield of Fritch; son, Steve McKinney and wife Rose of Amarillo; grandchildren, Angla (Jeremy) Driver, Kim (George) Surles, Greg (Kerry) Roush, Matt (Jessica) McKinney, Jamie (Brian) Schupp; great grandchildren; Keegan, Paxton, Skylar, Lexie, Luke, Amy, Corbin, Cannon, Clayton, Jaxson, Brantley, Melody, Liam, and Graycin; and five great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.