The funeral service for Zola Mae Reese of Ellendale will be 1:30 p.m. Monday at LeSueur River Lutheran Church, rural New Richland. The Rev. Charles Espe will officiate. Interment will be in First Lutheran Church Cemetery, Ellendale. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. today, Jan. 19,

at Friedrich Funeral Home New Richland and one hour before the service at the church.

Zola died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003 at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester. She was 78 years old.

Zola was born Nov. 22, 1924 in Freeborn County. She was raised by James and Hattie (Dezell) Gibson. Zola grew up in Freeborn, and graduated from Freeborn High School as the school valedictorian in 1941. She graduated from Mankato State College in 1963. Zola lived at Hartland, New Richland for nine years, and since 1957, Ellendale. Zola was married to Merle Reese on Sept. 10, 1944 at First Lutheran Church, Ellendale. Zola taught rural school in both Steele and Freeborn counties. She also taught in the Albert Lea School District 241, including Clarks Grove and Hawthorne School, teaching fourth grade. Zola was a member of LeSueur River Lutheran Church where she belonged to the choir, church circles and taught vacation Bible school. Zola was a substitute school teacher. She organized many teacher reunions, belonged to the retired Steele County Teachers association; enjoyed gardening, both floral and vegetable and belonged to a garden club.

Zola is survived by her three children: Candace Camille Duros of Aurora, Colo. and her son Chad; Brian James Reese of Ellendale, and his children: Brooke and Mitch; Scott Mitchel Reese of Owatonna, and his children: Todd and Courtney; Half-brother: Gene Keigley of Mandan, N.D.; Half-sister: Joan Larson of Rhinelander, Wis.; cousins Colleen Stiles of Wells and Neva Bates of Wells.

Zola was preceded in death by her husband Merle Reese.