ZENI, Nona

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona February 9, 2003 Nona Zeni, co-founder and partner of Transcontinental Publishing and a 12-year Phoenix area resident, died Thursday, February 6, in Scottsdale, after a eight-month battle with cancer. Nona was born April 27, 1942 in Warrensburg, Ill. to Flavus and Lorene Harrell. She graduated in 1960 from Warrensburg-Latham High School. She married Phillip T. Zeni of Decatur, Ill. on February 13, 1966, forming a bond that lasted nearly 37 years. Together they lived in cities in Illinois, Arkansas and Arizona. A gifted decorator, Nona brought a style of casual elegance to their many homes, always creating an atmosphere of comfort and beauty for her family, friends and guests. A graceful dancer and superb alto, Nona sang regularly at hospitals, schools and civic events with the Sweet Adelines, a harmonic choral group. She served as the 1989-90 president of the Little Rock, Ark. chapter. An accomplished pianist, she enjoyed playing pop standards from the '30s, '40s and '50s. Nona was the co-founder (with Phil) of Transcontinental. She managed the accounting and financial functions, handling crises with faith, charm and tenacious optimism. She was a member of the Chaparral Christian Church in Scottsdale. Nona leaves her husband, Phil; two children Dr. Phillip, Jr. (Dr. Victoria) of Collierville, Tenn., and Tami Diane of Norfolk, Va.; sister, Juanita Jones of Mt. Zion; and brothers, Gaylen "Whitey" (Lois) Harrell of Latham, Ill. and Dennis (Fran) Harrell of Henderson, Ky. A memorial service will be held Monday, February 10 at 10:30 at the Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 East Shea in Scottsdale. Memorial contributions can be made to: Hospice of the Valley, 5111 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 280, Scottsdale, Ariz. 85250 or Mayo Clinic of Scottsdale, 13400 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, Ariz. 85229. (Obit: Courtesy of Pat Wilson)