Zella Gooden

Zella “Betty” Gooden,  96, of Mancelona, passed away on July 2, 2018 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility.

Betty was born on October 4, 1921, in Detroit, the daughter of John and Catherine (Swibaker) Long.

Betty had a great sense of humor and the biggest joy in her life was her family.  She enjoyed crafting, crocheting and sewing.

She is survived by 7 children, Yvonne (Bruce) Banninger of Kewadin, James Russ of Grand Rapids, Donna (Harold) Smith of Charlevoix, Linda Sine of Alpena, Ron Gooden of Mancelona, Rick Gooden of Kalkaska, Lori Gooden of Mancelona, 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Gooden in 1974, a daughter Kathy Mae in 1952, a granddaughter Carmen Michelle, 3 brothers, and 1 sister.

Private burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Mancelona.

A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, July 10, from 1-5 p.m. at the Mancelona High School.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association or the Mancelona Education Foundation.

Arrangements are being handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.

The family wishes to thank her caregivers at Meadowbrook for their outstanding care and love given to her for the last 3 years.