Zola Kile, age 79 of Upper Tract, passed away at Grant Memorial Hospital in Petersburg.Born in Smoke Hole, She was the 6th child of 16 children born to Clara May VanMeter Alt and John Franklin Alt. Zola married John Allen Kile, who preceded her in death on October 5, 2009. She attended Smoke Hole School and was a member of Christ Central Community Church. She and her husband Allen owned and operated Kile's Grocery in Upper Tract for many years.
Zola is survived by 3 daughters; Denise Hevener and husband Dennis of Upper Tract, Charlene Tennant and husband Mark of Upper Tract, Zondra Reedy and husband Jeff of Moorefield; 5 sisters, Kathleen Raker and husband Kenneth of Williamsport, PA, Thomasine Berg of Maysville, Ganel Armentrout and husband Bob of Upper Tract, Millie Hedrick and husband Larry of Timberville, VA, and Jeanie Kimble and husband Richard of Upper Tract; 4 brothers, William Alt and wife Nancy of Lahmansville, Loy Alt and wife Kitty of Green Spring, Charles Alt and wife Loretta of Petersburg, James Alt and wife Jean of Warrenton, VA. 5 grandchildren, Devon Boyles, Josh and fiance Jaime, Danielle Stevens and husband Thomas, Kyle Reedy and fiance Macie, Caitlyn Britel and husband Samir. a great granddaughter, Zoe Boyles. In addition to her parents and husband, Zola is preceded in death by 3 brothers; Burley, Ervin, and Raymond Alt; 3 sisters Bessie Kimble, Wilma Wagner, and Bertha (Crickett) Alt.
Here is a poem composed by her daughter Zondra which she read at her mother's funeral.
A Tribute to Mom
I'm home... The smell of chicken cooking as I come through the door.
The best spread around at our table you could score.
At 5:15 the table was set,
A delicious meal plus dessert was a bet.
I'm home...The ironing board tended with care,
Spray starch filled the air.
A daily chore done with pleasure,
The countless creases one could not measure.
I'm home...The sound of spring peeper on a brisk spring night,
Brings news of the creeping flocks, oh what a sight!
Colors galore with summer approaching fast,
Geraniums, a favorite bloom at last!
I'm home...Peanut butter and coconut pies on the countertop,
A love for baking that doesn't stop!
Homemade rolls, stuffing balls, green beans with beacon,
and sausage gravy for those who awaken.
I'm home...foil wrapped boxes with fancy bows under the tree,
A task lovingly and carefully done for all to see,
Peanut butter fudge, yummy Milky Way cake,
Always enough for an army she would make!
I'm home...Chicken noodle soup for when you're not well,
A bandaid and a hug for when you fell,
A rocking chair, humming a tune,
Go to sleep child, It's afternoon.
I'm home...Saddle shoes, cheerleading skirts, and braided hair,
A pot of soup before the games she'd prepare,
Everyone's welcome to sit round the table,
She'd feed them all if she was able.
I'm home...A cup of Pepsi sitting by the sink,
Little else did she drink.
M and M candy for those who stopped by,
and popcorn jelly beans all must try!
I'm home...A mother, grandmother, and great grandma too,
Proud of them all, she would always tell you!
Never thinking of herself and always giving,
That was the only way she knew to be living.
She's home...No more sufering, no more tears,
In the arms of Jesus, with no more fears.