Mildred "Millie" Theresa Zeloof

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mildred "Millie" Theresa Zeloof, a treasured mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20th, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society, at the age of 96. Millie was born on August 8, 1928, in Evanston, Illinois, and later became a cherished resident of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, when she moved there with her husband, Sol, which she referred to as the “Front Porch of Heaven”. Millie dedicated her life to education, cherishing her role as a teacher at Holy Cross School in Deerfield, Illinois, and as the Director of Religious Education for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine for the Archdiocese of Chicago, influencing the lives of many, driven by a passion for learning and an innate kindness. Her compassionate spirit and warm heart extended beyond the classroom and into the many lives she touched throughout her years. Millie enjoyed playing games of all sorts and had a penchant for Scrabble and all manner of card games. As her sister, Idamae put it, “Millie knew how to spread her love in spades”. She loved engaging with people and would break out in song at the drop of a hat. In fact, she was known as "The Hat Lady" at St. Francis. And, Millie never met a sequin outfit she didn't like. Millie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Solomon Zeloof; her parents, William George and Flora Obermeier; her first husband, Robert B. Springer; her son, Donn Springer; her siblings, Helen Fuller (William), Thomas Obermeier (Angela), and Rosemary Steffens (Rob); son-in-law, Scott York; and brother-in-law Ed Spear. She survives and is lovingly remembered by her children, Charlie Springer, Judith Sutton, Deborah York, Leslee Baker (Rick), and Stacy Shellabarger (Tim). Her legacy lives on through her numerous grandchildren, Levi Springer, Moses Springer (Arnika), Zachary Springer, Sarah Van Eekeren (Jeroen), Christopher Springer (Leslie), Joshua Springer (Erin), Ryan Springer, Corey Sutton, Kelsey Ziolko (Matthew), David Ostmann (Jen), Shayna York, Carma Shay (Dylan), Rachel Shellabarger (Thorlindur), Eli Shellabarger (Evelyn); and 16 great-grandchildren, Bella, Audrey, Addison, Paxton, Harper, Berkley, Hendrix, Calvin, Caroline, Damon, Kate, Jack, Tristin, Leon, Thorolfur, and Maríalín. Millie is also survived by her sister Idamae Spear and her fur baby, Lila, who was just like family. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Millie's remarkable life during a Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Crossville, Tennessee, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Family will receive friends at the church from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM prior to the service. As we bid farewell to Millie, we remember a woman whose strength, grace, and boundless love left an indelible imprint on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her indomitable spirit and unwavering faith were the cornerstones of her lived experience, and she will be deeply missed by all who were privileged to share their journey with her. Arrangements and Care are provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.