Obituary of Zita M. Oxley

ASHTABULA-Zita M. Oxley, 87, died, Monday, October 1, 2018 at Austinburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

She was born January 3, 1931 in Kurnach, Germany, the daughter of the late Emanuel and Anna (Shon) Gopfert.

Zita married Ed Oxley on June 27, 1962, while he was serving in the military. They resided in Germany until moving back to Ashtabula in 2003.

Zita enjoyed walking, dancing, listening to music, and watching WWF Wrestling. She enjoyed children although never having her own. She was an active member of the American Legion Post #103, before moving to the nursing home after her husband’s passing.

She was extremely proud of her German Heritage and will be remembered for her Zita-isms. She made her own hybrid language of German/English that even others began picking up on and using.

She is survived her sisters, Erna Rumpel, Angelika Bohm, and Elizabeth Alexander; nephew, Adam (Rae) Oxley who cared for her after the passing of her husband; as well as many other, nieces and nephews.

Zita was preceded in death by her husband, Ed in 2014; siblings, Renate Benkel, August, Aloise, Ferdinan, and Herman Gopfert.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 6PM at the Ducro Funeral Home, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula. Burial will be with her husband at Greenlawn Memory Gardens in North Kingsville, Ohio.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4-6PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contribution in her name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 8522 East Avenue, Mentor, OH 44060.