Zella Hansen Mortensen

December 20, 1933 – December 22, 2020 (age 87)

Zella Hansen Mortensen was born on December 20, 1933 to Tressa Maria Love and Louis Manervan Hansen in Sutherland Utah. She joined brothers Ladd, Louis, Lee, and sister, Marie. Later Paula, Laurence (Butch), and Leslie completed the family.

Mom loved her rural upbringing and said she had the best parents in the world. From playing in the “big ditch” to walking to the movies and watching the starry sky, she enjoyed life with her family in rural Scipio.

Zella’s adventures took her to Logan, where she met Dean Mortensen, while working as a waitress at the Bluebird Cafe. They were married on June 25, 1954 and later sealed in the Logan, Utah Temple. Teena came along first, followed nine years later by April, Jim, and Tressa.

Mom was a creative artist who used her talents in a variety of ways: China painting, Oil painting, playing practical jokes, playing the piano, sewing, gardening, being the “fun, gypsy” aunt, and in the way she lived her life. Never one to be constrained by what people would think, she was a friend to all she met, even trying to teach telemarketers how to do their family history when they would call.

She has struggled with many challenges over the past several years, mainly with her health, eyesight, and the loss of her daughter April. Her love of animals has given her good company with her beloved kitties always there to provide comfort. Her love of people has brought her treasured friends who have served her in many so many ways. Her love of the gospel has given her a testimony of Jesus Christ and his infinite love for each one of us.

She is survived by her children: Teena (Bruce) Cook, Salem, Virginia; Jim (Sa) Mortensen, Logan, Utah and California; Tressa (Kent) Haderlie, North Logan, Utah. Grandchildren: Aaron (Beth) Cook, Natalie (Spencer) Sheets, Cameron (Heidi) Cook, Lauralee Cook, Ash Mortensen, Thanat (Kiersten) Thanatanon, Yanothai Thanatanon, Maranda (Brady) Garvin, and Brandon Haderlie. Great-grandchildren: Callie and Maya Cook, Hannah and Jenna Sheets, and Nellie Cook.

At her request, interment will be in the Nephi, Utah Cemetery, near her parents. A family graveside service will be held at the Nephi Utah Cemetery on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 Due to the current health situation, a celebration of life will be held later in the year.

Services will be live streamed beginning at 1:00pm Tuesday, December 29, 2020 and may be viewed by clicking here. Password: Zella

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Allen Mortuaries.

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1 Comment

  • Kris Johnson December 24, 2020 at 4:23 am Reply

    I had the pleasure of working with Zella. She was a delight. She volunteered at Somebody’s Attic non profit thrift store for many years. Her dedication had no bounds. Anyone that knew Zella was truly blessed.

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