Carolyn Ann Waller Zeller 75, a resident of Richmond, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday November 28, 2025. Carolyn was born on September 2, 1950, the daughter of Jack and Mable (Dreves) Waller.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Edward “Ed” Zeller; one daughter Becky (Justin) Zeller of Richmond; two sons, Randy (Alicia) Zeller of Lees Summit and Daniel (LeaAnn) Zeller of Smithville; two brothers, Bob Waller and Jim Waller; four grandchildren, Maddy (Garrett) West, Jack Gogue, Izzy Zeller, and Malina Zeller, two great grandchildren, Banks and Nash West.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Mable Waller.
Carolyn graduated from Richmond High School with the Class of 1968, where she proudly marched with the Spartan band and was a member prep squad. Following graduation, she spent a year at Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri, before beginning her career.
In her early working years, Carolyn was employed at INA in downtown Kansas City. During her lunch hours, she was a Monza Model at Top of the Towers and, in 1970, was named runner-up for Miss Kansas City, a title that reflected the grace and beauty she carried throughout her life.
On November 27, 1971, she married the love of her life, Edward “Ed” Zeller. Together they built a beautiful life in Richmond, never living anywhere else during their 54 years of marriage. For nearly four decades, Carolyn served as a dedicated partner in Waller Truck Company, taking immense pride in the family business she helped grow and sustain.
Carolyn was a faithful, lifelong member of Richmond United Methodist Church, where her presence was felt in pews and gatherings.
She found joy in the creative and the hands-on: painting the walls (inside and out) of every home she ever loved, and sewing countless Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls that delighted children all over town. But her greatest joy was her family. Carolyn was never happier than when she was cheering-often the loudest voice in the stands-for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at games, recitals, and every milestone in between. To them she was simply “Nanu,” a name spoken with love in three generations of little voices.
She is survived by a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss her laughter, her fierce love, and the way she made everyone feel like they belonged.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, and an unmistakable spirit. Richmond will not quite be the same without her.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Richmond United Methodist Church from 11:00 a.m. until funeral services at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Richmond Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Richmond United Methodist Church. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home 507 East Main St./P.O. Box 190 Richmond, MO 64085. Please visit www.thurmanfuneralhome.com to leave memories of Carolyn for the family.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
