Zelma Mae McNeal, 83, of Lena, IL, and formerly of Freeport, IL, passed away on June 23, 2025. She was born on May 15, 1942 in Belleville, KS, to Kenneth and Willie (Carroll) Russell. She was a retired engineer with Qwest (U.S. West). She was a member of the 16th Ave Church of Christ, Mayor of Chadwick, and a member of Carroll County Republican Women's Party. Her interests included painting, crocheting, ceramics, baking, and spending time with family and her animals.

Survivors include her 3 children: Timon Jurgensen (Deetra Edgerton) of Lanark, IL, Celinda Thompson (Mike Ackerman) of Freeport, IL, and Scott & Chasity McNeal of Monroe, WI; 6 grandkids: Tyler, Corbin, Braelynn, Scotti, Trevor, Jamison; and 7 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Roseland Pope and Norman Russell, and her parents.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 5, 2025 at 10 AM, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport.

A memorial has been established in her memory for Boys Town Nebraska, 14100 Crawford St. Boys Town, Nebraska, 68010