Zella L Powers, a lifelong Dayton resident, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2026 in Walla Walla. She was 88.

Zella Louise Fuller was born April 19,1938 in Dayton Washington at Brining Hospital to Gerald “Slim” and Martha (Koch) Fuller.

She spent a lifetime in her hometown and bragged about it. She was a “people person” and was very glad to share conversations with most people she met – especially Dayton “old timers”.

She spent eight years at Central Grade School and graduated from Pietrzycki (Dayton) High School in 1956, missing ½ day in four years. She was proud to be selected by the staff as Editor of the school paper “Crimson D” in her junior year.

The third Saturday in July was always a favorite weekend as it was “Alumni time”. This past July was the 70th reunion for the “Class of 1956”.

She and Marion Powers were married April 21, 1956 in Dayton First Christian Church. She had survived all participants in their wedding except the piano player. Marion died August 27, 2018.

She was active member of: Cornerstone Christian Church (formerly First Christian Church), Columbia County Senior Center, Royal Neighbors of America, Dayton High School Alumni, FOE Auxiliary Board, and Blue Mountain Historical Society.

She is survived by daughters: Christi (Jerry) Strong, Lori Cox, Leslie (Rick) Fletcher: Mitchell: Brother Tom Ring: sister-in-law Ilene (Norman) Beasley: and three stepbrothers: Mike and Pat McCaferty, and Jerry Cermak.

Also surviving are Six grandchildren: Josh (Lauren) Fletcher, Julie Fletcher (Travis), and Cox brothers; Caleb (Annette), Nicholas (Megan), Joseph (Keri), Benjamin. Eleven great grands: Caeden, Cameron, Donovan, Slade, CherylLynn, Kenny, Sadie, Claire, Camille, Cody, and Max.

She was preceded in death by husband Marion, parents Gerald & Ruth Fuller, Martha & Roy Ring, and sister Helen Fuller.

There will be a Family Graveside Service at the Dayton Cemetery at 10;30 Monday, September 28th, followed by a Celebration of Life at The Scotsman, 410 3rd Street - Please join us in celebrating Zella's life at Noon. The family requests any donations go to the DHS Alumni, c/o Keith Pittman, Treasurer 735 Pittman Rd, Dayton, WA 99328 or to a charity of your choice in her name. Corbeill Funeral Home in Dayton is caring for the family. www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com