Blanche E. Zeller

Blanche E. (Porter) Zeller, of Groveport, Ohio, passed away on January 26, 2024, at the age of 79.  She was born on April 14, 1944, in Greene County, Pennsylvania to John W. “Bill” and Eva (Lewis) Porter.  

After graduating from Marlington High School in 1962, Blanche worked for Babcock and Wilcox Tubular Products as a secretary.  She left to become pregnant with her daughter, Heidi.   She later returned to her career working for Babcock and Wilcox Research Center in the accounting department.  She ultimately retired from that position.   During her career she enjoyed not only working with but playing pranks on her coworkers and was known for her sense of humor, her laugh, and her beautiful smile. When not working, Blanche had a passion for her animals, working in her flower gardens and a good Long island iced tea.

The love of Blanche’s life was her husband Eldis “Butch” Zeller.  Blanche and Butch took a liking to each other in the 8th grade.  They married on July 31, 1965.  Together in everything they did, many friends and family referred to them as “Butch and Blanche” or “Blanche and Butch”, never separate.  They loved, raised, and supported their two children Heidi and Steven “Steve”. Their house was always open to everyone, giving them a life that included a given family and a chosen family.  

Blanche had a deep love and commitment for her community.  In 1984, Blanche and Butch founded Marlington Youth Wrestling.  It began when their son, Steve, had an interest in the sport.  They traveled to Akron almost every week during the season so kids in the program could participate in matches with Ohio Youth Wrestling Association (OYWA).  The Marlington program grew rapidly.  In 1987, they were encouraged to start a southern division of OYWA.  This could not have been done without Blanche.  She was the backbone of the organization.   She handled everything from wrestler match ups to all the computer and paperwork that came with starting and maintaining an all-encompassing youth program.  Both programs are still in existence today.  She not only touched the hearts of her family, friends, but so many others through volunteering with these youth organizations. 

In 2019, Butch and Blanche moved to Groveport, Ohio to be closer to their ultimate loves, their granddaughters, Eva, and Adelynn “Addie”.  Her granddaughters loved their “Ga”.  Special memories for the girls will always include her brownies, her cucumber salad, her love of flowers, and the color green.  Most of all they will miss their sleepovers with their Ga.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Eldis “Butch” Zeller; sister, Eva “Eve” Pim and partner Neal Kennedy; daughter, Heidi (Scott) Swiderski; son, Steven (Tracy) Zeller; and cherished granddaughters, Eva Irene and Adelynn “Addie” Rae. Additional family members, Brett (Cathy) Betz, Todd (Beckie) Hickerson and many nieces and nephews all have a lifetime of memories to celebrate. We could never leave out her beloved dog Luke “Lukie” Zeller. 

She was preceded in her passing by her parents Bill and Eva Porter;  John “Jack” Porter, Marie Porter Church, Rebecca “Becky” Betz, Howard Betz, Kathryn “Kay” Waltenberger, Wayne “Bucky” Waltenberger and Jack Pim.

Friends and Family will be received at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Saturday March 23, at 11:00 a.m. A memorial celebration service will follow at 12:00 p.m.  Minister Shawn McMullen will assist in celebrating her life.