Zona Mae Walls

Zona Mae Walls, 91, of New Columbia, passed away at home surrounded by the love of her family on December 3, 2025.

Born on November 19, 1934, to Wilson and Cora (Prowant) Robbins, Zona was born into a hardworking farming family growing up on a farm near Limestoneville, an upbringing that shaped her character, values, and life in countless ways.

On July 2, 1955, she married John A. Walls Jr., who predeceased her on July 13, 2018. Together they celebrated 63 years of marriage and shared a life built on hard work, family, and a love of nature and the outdoors.

Zona’s greatest joy was her growing family

She is survived by three children who were the center of her world, John Walls III and his wife Debra, of State College, Jeffery Walls and his wife Traci, of New Columbia, and Tammy Sue Johnston and her husband Jerry, of New Columbia; four brothers who loved her dearly, Franklin “Tim”, Lee “Deke”, Larry “Gene”, and Samuel “Sam”; nine grandchildren, Cameron (Rachel), Harrison, Caleb, Dustin (Amanda), Colby (Emily), Tauz (Tiffany), Hashle, Matt, and Chris (Dani); and nine great-grandchildren, Tristyn, Teegan, Damon, Alexa, Skye, Bennett, Amelia, Elliot and Graham. Each one held a special place in her heart, and she cherished the time she spent with them.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by 12 beloved siblings, each remembered by their given names and nicknames cherished within the family, Henry, “Hen”, Paul “Nick”, Raymond “Doe”, Charles “Nip”, Albert “Albie”, Howard “Tut”, Walter “Buzz”, Jack, Guy “Chubby”, Harry “Jim”, Betty, and Grace “Sue”.

Like many of her brothers and sisters, Zona was an incredibly resilient woman—strong, hardworking, and steadfast. The work ethic she learned on the family farm carried her throughout her life. She devoted herself to caring for others, including lovingly tending to her ill mother, Cora, during her final years. In return, her daughter Tammy honored and continued that legacy of compassion by caring for Zona with the same devotion.

A woman of gentleness, humor, and quiet strength, Zona created a home filled with warmth and welcome. Her legacy lives on in the character of her children, the closeness of her family, and the countless acts of kindness she shared across her 91 years. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

The family would like to thank Geisinger Hospice in Selinsgrove for the amazing support, care and love they provided to Zona and her daughter Tammy through this difficult time. A special thanks to the aide Katie who stole Zona’s heart from the first day of care.

A memorial service celebrating Zona’s life will be held in the springtime at Highland Cemetery in New Columbia.