Zella Charleen Sellers (Thompson)

Zella Charleen Thompson Ochs Sellers passed away early Saturday morning March 21, 2015. Charleen, as she was called, was born on July 20, 1931 in Independence, Missouri to Thomas Kenneth Thompson and Zella Flay “Boyd” Thompson. While a young girl, the family moved to Chicago, Illinois where Charleen enjoyed countless moments with her pre-teen friends riding the street cars through downtown Chicago on their way to the shores of Lake Michigan. When she was 13, the family returned to Independence to re-establish family roots. During her teenage years, she involved herself extensively in the Zion’s League youth group of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) where she established meaningful friendships which she maintained throughout her life. Charleen went on to graduate from William Chrisman High School in 1949 where she was active as a cheerleader. It was at that time when she lovingly became known by her friends as “Chuck” or “Chuckie” – a name to which she responded the rest of her life. After one year at Graceland College, Chuck married Jack Ressler Ochs with whom she gave birth to three children. As a young mother, she enthusiastically served as a girl’s youth leader in the Skylark and Oriole program of the RLDS church bringing positive life experiences to all those she influenced.. She proclaimed those early years of marriage while raising her children as being the happiest moments in her life. In the late 1950’s, Charleen became active in politics. While supporting local politicians, she served as a precinct captain for the Republican Party during the Kennedy-Nixon election. Her interest in civic affairs carried over into midlife where she volunteered to head the Independence Mental Health Center, a role that would serve her well in her later years. In 1972, she married Julius Doyle (J.D.) Sellers and became the stepmother to two boys. In the late 1970’s, she opened and operated the Calico Corners Gift Shop on the square where she enjoyed serving the public, engaging in friendly conversations, and meeting new people. Active in the Independence Chamber of Commerce, people came to know her by her vivid smile and infectious laugh. Later in life, she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States visiting her extended family and grandchildren. Charleen found solace in her faith in God and remained an active member of the restoration movement in association with the South Crysler Restoration Branch of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In her later years and always with joy in her heart, Charleen extended goodwill to all. Her smile and penchant for humor brought a smile to those she touched. From all those who have known her, she will be dearly missed. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and husband J.D. She is survived by a brother, Allan Thompson and wife Jo Ann of Montana; a son, Robert “Bob” Ochs and wife Carol of Norman, Oklahoma; two daughters, Debra Rosenquist and husband John of Clearwater, Florida and Dana Storm and husband Gary, of Independence and two stepsons, Scott Sellers and wife Eileen of St. Louis, Missouri and Doug Sellers of Lexington, Oklahoma. In addition, she is survived by eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Per Charleen’s request, a graveside service for family and friends will be at Mound Grove Cemetery, 1818 N. River Blvd at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 26, 2015. Donations may be made in her name to the South Crysler Restoration Branch 16101 E. Salisbury Rd., Independence, MO 64050. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)