Margaret Z. Mellott

Peggy Z. Mellott, age 83, of Cortland died Friday morning, July 4, 2008, at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital. She was born January 29, 1925 in Girard the daughter of the late William H. and Hilda (Muthard) Zeller. Peggy graduated with honors and was salutatorian of her class at Cortland High School, where she played clarinet in the high school band and Faydet's band, also. She was a longtime member of the Cortland United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for over 20 years. Peggy worked as a secretary for many years at Greenwood Dodge Dealership in Cortland, Busy Beaver Lumber, Biggin's Appliance Store and Richard's Feed Mill. She also served on the rationing board during WWII. She served as chairperson for the Cortland Street Fair Queen contest for several years and was vice president of the Lakeview Alumni Association for 2 years. Peggy was an avid collector and artist of porcelain dolls, which she hand made from scratch, including pouring and firing the porcelain and painting the dolls' faces. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved children and animals. Peggy was preceded in death in 2005 by her husband, Russell Ray Mellott Jr., whom she married April 29, 1949; one son, Kevin R. Mellott and two sisters, Jean Copeland and infant sister, Martha Zeller. She is survived by one daughter, Karen (Dominic) Potts of Fowler Twp.; one son, Lee (Joyce) Mellott of Cortland; four grandchildren, Shawn Battison, Heather Roach and Kristen and Mark Mellott and four great grandchildren, Calley Stredney and Wyatt, Jessika and Arika Roach; and three half siblings, Janet Vincent and Bill Zeller both of New Hampshire and Ben Zeller of New Mexico. Four nieces and three nephews and several great nieces and nephews also survive. Arrangements are being handled by Shafer-Winans Funeral Chapel in Cortland where the family will receive friends from 11:00 am to Noon Monday, July 7, 2008, with services to follow at noon at the funeral home. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Cortland.