Crystal Falls- Mardella Lee (Smith) Zell passed away after a full life of almost 97 years on Saturday, March 7, 2026. She was born on July 6, 1929, in Mechanicsburg, Indiana, to Murl and Mabel Smith. At the age of 7, her family would come to Crystal Falls and spend the summer months at a friend's cottage on Sergeant Lake, now named Light Lake.

She loved bowling and would meet her future husband at the bowling alley. After graduating from Jackson High School in 1947, Mardella would marry William "Bill" Zell on May 2, 1947, in Advance, Indiana. She worked at AAA Indiana when they were first married. After they married, Mardella would bring Bill to Light Lake, often saying "the worst mistake of her life," as he never wanted to go back to Indiana. They would eventually purchase property on Light Lake in 1960, bringing their baby daughter, and the three of them would own property on Light Lake for over 45 years.

A devoted wife and stay-at-home mom, Mardella would become the bookkeeper and errand runner for her husband's auto body business. She was an excellent cook and baker, winning numerous blue ribbons at the Iron County Fair, including Best of Show and Michigan State Ribbon.

Mardella's love for bowling continued, and she would bowl on Afternoon Delights, Women's Sport, Tri-City, Crystal Bowlerettes, and Saturday Mixed League. She won at least one championship in each league. Mardella attended the Wisconsin State Bowling tournaments and received her Grand Duchess pin in 2000. Her team placed 2nd in the Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1999.

Mardella was a member of the Crystal Falls Kiwanis Club and the Alpha Crystal Falls Amasa Community Development, LTD., serving as Vice President for 20 years.

She also enjoyed playing bingo and cards at the VFW and senior centers with her friends.

Mardella is survived by her daughter, Terry (Wayne) Maki, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband of 47 years, Bill, Mardella was preceded in death by her sister, Waneta (Paul) Cochran, and her brother, Willard "Kenny" (Oma) Smith.

Per Mardella's wishes, a private memorial service will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Amasa Senior Center in her memory.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Mardella's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com

The family has chosen Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crystal Falls, MI, to honor Mardella's legacy of life.