Susan Mozelle Reesor McCamish-Wemple

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Zella was born Susan Mozelle Reesor April 7, 1929, in Indianapolis, Ind., in the midst of the depression along with seven brothers.

Her father died of tuberculosis when she was 7 years old, forcing their family to return to their hometown of Elizabethtown, Kentucky where she was raised on a farm in financially difficult times.

Her family lived in proximity to another poor farming family, the McCamish family, into which she eventually married. She was married at 16 years of age to Joseph A. McCamish after he returned as a war hero in 1945. Interestingly, two of her brothers married two of Joseph’s sisters so there were three marriages within these two families.

Zella and Joseph had four children (Linda, Joseph E, Margaret, and Mark) and lived in Kentucky, Arizona and California over their 50-year marriage.

Zella was a very young mother with her four children being born prior to 22 years of age. As her children grew she became involved in tennis and developed into one of the best women amateurs in all of Santa Barbara County.

She also was employed at Righetti High School in the nursing office for two decades where she contributed to the health and the spirit of Righetti students.

Joseph and Zella were passionate about providing for their children and giving them every opportunity to have a better life than they did, particularly growing up in the Depression era.

Both she and Joseph retired to Joshua Tree, Calif., and then relocated to Kelseyville, Calif., in the early 1990s.

After 50 years of marriage and Joseph’s death, she remarried in October 1998 to Joseph Jay Wemple to whom she was happily married for 16 years. Through this second marriage, Zella added Jay’s children, Alan and Cris, to her extended family.

Jay and Zella were able to travel abroad on several occasions, share a delightful companionship and enjoy their respective families.

Zella is the matriarch of her family, representing five generations. She is survived by four children, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She was a compassionate mother who gave everything and asked for nothing. She treated everyone like they were the most important person in the world and only asked that you be better for yourself. 

Her dedicated life is summed up in the words of the song titled “A Mother’s Prayer” by Keith and Kristyn Getty, which will be played at her memorial service:
“Before you close your eyes to sleep I have a promise still to keep as I hold you in my arms. I pray your little frame grows strong and that faith takes hold while you are young; this is my prayer for you.

“Hold my hand; I’ll teach you the way to go. Through the joys, through the tears, the journey of these years, He is with us ‘til the end. He is faithful ‘til the end.

“The world is not as it should be, but the Savior opens eyes to see all that’s beautiful and true. Oh may His light fill all you are and the jewel of wisdom crown your heart; this is my prayer for you.

“Hold my hand; I’ll teach you the way to go. Through the joys, through the tears, the journey of these years, He is with us ‘til the end. He is faithful ‘til the end.

“You’ll travel where my arms won’t reach, as the road will rise to lead your feet on a journey of your own. May my mistakes not hinder you, but His grace remain and guide you through; this is my prayer for you.

Take His hand and go where He calls you to. And whatever comes, seek Him with all your heart; this will be my prayer for you. Father, hear my ceaseless prayer, oh keep them in your care.”

Our mother had an infectious smile, was very competitive, loved to play cards and board games with her family and travel to see the world.

She created an environment where one could flourish and where one was always loved and welcomed.

She will be profoundly missed, yet we rejoice in her long and impactful life and have assurance that she resides with the Lord where we have the chance to be reunited with her in His glory.

Visitation is scheduled from 8:30 to 10 a.m. with reflections and rosary service at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Chapel of The Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St., Lakeport.

A funeral Mass will be held the same day at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, 4085 Main St. in Kelseyville. Interment will occur Monday, March 2, at Kelseyville Cemetery, 3375 Bell Hill Road.

Family prefers donations to Hospices Services of Lake County, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453 (telephone 707-263-6222) or The Women’s and Men’s Club of St Peter’s Mission, 4085 Main St., Kelseyville, CA 95451 (telephone 707-263-4401).