A Memorial Visitation for Zella Marine Ashley, Age 70 of Viola, Arkansas will be held on Thursday, August 20th, 2026 at The Barker Funeral Home, Salem, Arkansas from 5:00-7:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to The Peitz Cancer Support House; 315 Powers Street, Mountain Home, Arkansas, 72653.
Zella Marine Ashley, 70, of Viola, Arkansas, passed away on August 18, 2026, at her home in Viola.
Zella was born on April 2, 1956, in Fort Crowder, Missouri, to James Wesley and Dorthy Marine (Sullivan) Winberry. She was united in marriage to Russell Lee Ashley on July 6, 1977, in Salem, Arkansas. Together they shared many years of marriage until Russell’s passing.
Zella worked as an assembler at the Tri County Shirt Factory for ten years. She was a woman of the Baptist faith and was known for her strength, determination, and independent spirit. A hardworking woman throughout her life, she enjoyed raising geese, listening to music, and spending time outdoors. She especially loved tending to her apple trees, though she often complained about the deer and crows that helped themselves to the fruit before she could enjoy it. Zella shared a special bond with her dog, Boo Boo. She would often say she did not like the dog, but those who knew her best knew otherwise.
She will be remembered as a strong, independent woman who was never afraid of hard work and who deeply loved her family.
Zella is survived by her two sons, Billy Ashley and wife Christy of Byron, Arkansas, and Levi Ashley of Viola, Arkansas; and her sister, Betty Jean Smith of Neosho, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Lee Ashley; her parents, James Wesley and Dorthy Marine Winberry; three brothers, Martin Winberry, Johnie Winberry, and David Winberry; and one sister, Mavis Underwood.
