Zelta Lou Younker Counts, 96, of Melber, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado, Illinois.
Zelta was born on June 5, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan. She lived most of her life in Michigan, where she retired from Hudson Department Store as a Department Manager. After retirement, she moved to Melber, Kentucky, to be closer to family, where she was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and sang in the choir.
Zelta is survived by two grandchildren, Lexi Counts of Romulus, Michigan, and Kyle Counts of Wayne, Michigan; two great-grandchildren, Julian Smith and Caroline Counts; a sister-in-law, Betsy Younker of Louisville, Kentucky; several nieces and nephews; Caregiver, Lauren Smock.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin ‘Roy’ Counts Jr.; two sons, Mike Counts and Mark Counts; a sister, Judy Bufford; and a brother, Ralph Younker. Her parents were Jimmy and Eleanor Winquist Younker.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home (3745 Old US Highway 45 S., Paducah, KY) with Rev. Bruce Fogle officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the service hour of 1:00 pm at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home.
The family would like to express their utmost gratitude to Lauren Smock for the extended Love and Care she gave to Aunt Zelta.
Expressions of sympathy may be given in the form of contributions to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 6705 Old US Highway 45 S., Paducah, KY 42003.
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