Zella Rae Kuhnert's Obituary
Zella Rae Kuhnert of Swanwick, IL passed away on October 25, 2025, in her home surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.
Zella was born October 8, 1942 to Clifford Diek and Zella Mae (Wilson) Hubler. She was lovingly raised by her grandparents Alvie and Mary Hubler.
Zella met Jim the love of her life, when she was just 13. They were married June 11, 1960. From then on you never heard one’s name without the other. For the next 65 years it was always “Jim & Zella.” To this union Suzie & Shellie were blessed to be born.
Zella rarely met a stranger. If she did, they wouldn’t be a stranger for long. She always had a smile on her face for everyone she met.
Zella was a member of the Winkle Baptist Church where she taught different Sunday School classes for over 40 years. Her love of people was only second to her love of Jesus. She had a servant’s heart. She was a caregiver to so many through her life.
She was an amazing cook, quilter & seamstress. If someone needed something hemmed or a zipper put in, she was the lady to call.
She is survived by her husband, Jim, of 65 years; daughters, Suzie (Ron) Gerber, Shellie (Mark) Barr; grandchildren, Troy Gerber, Katie (Mark) Howell, Treavor (Brittany) Gerber; great grandchildren, Makenna Gerber, Milo Howell, Zella Howell, and Vance Gerber, and expecting great grandchild James Charlie Gerber next April; brothers, Donnie (Sheri) Hubler, Tommy Joe (Sue) Smith; sister, Virginia (Pepper) Herron; special cousins, Evelyn Heiman and Ginger Holtz; special friend, JoAnn Hepp; brother-in-law Roger (Sue) Kuhnert, and brother-in-law, Ray McBride.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, stepmother Madeline Hubler; sisters Sandy Swalls, Juanita “Dugie” (Jock) Burris, Vickie McBride; brother-in-law, Mike Herron; and her very special cousin Warren “Bunk” Holtz.
Funeral services will be held at Winkle Baptist Church, Coulterville, IL, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with Brother Jeff Downard officiating. Interment will be at Swanwick Bethel Cemetery, Coulterville, IL.
Visitation will be held at Winkle Baptist Church, on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Winkle Baptist Church.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, IL has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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