It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Zell- Rae (Grillo) Schuttie Ihrig. Zell- Rae peacefully rested on Jan. 27 with family at her bedside.
Zell-Rae was born May 6, 1938, in Olympia, Washington, to Raymond and Zelma (Erickson) Mallory. She was later adopted by her stepfather, Frank Grillo.
During her youth, Zell-Rae’s family lived in Draper logging camp in Glenwood where the family created wonderful memories together. They later made their home in Goldendale, Washington.
In 1956, Zell-Rae graduated from Goldendale High School where she was a cheerleader, swimmer and played the drums and accordion. She briefly attended Central Washington University. Later that year, at a New Year’s Eve dance in Goldendale, she met the young man who would become her husband and life partner for 60 years. Zell-Rae and Victor Schuttie were married Aug. 30, fi1958, and they first resided in Seaview, Washington, where they started their family. They later set down roots in Raymond, Washington, and spent nearly 40 years there. Zell-Rae was active in the community as a 4-H leader, Girl Scout leader, Lady Elk, Lions Club member, Kiwanis and sorority member. Her banking career began in Goldendale and spanned over 30 years.
In 2000, Vic and Zell-Rae moved to the original Schuttie family farm in Ethel where many memories have since been made and where grandchildren and great-grandchildren have loved to play. Zell-Rae had her hand in the Schuttie Christmas Tree business, keeping the books and making beautiful wreaths to sell.
Zell-Rae loved reaching out and getting to know people wherever she went. Our circle of family friends continued to grow through the years, many of whom we still consider family. Whether she was on a cruise, in a Hawaiian condo, a quilting retreat, a scrapbooking class or visiting neighbors, she quickly made new friends and often came to know their extended families as well.
Zell-Rae enjoyed being a host — whether it was the annual holiday get-togethers with family friends, pinochle games, family gatherings for a seafood meal, having a youth ball team camp out or putting on the kids’ birthday parties. She enjoyed decorating the home for holidays and sending out annual Christmas cards. She and Dad opened our home on a number of occasions to host foreign exchange ladies from England, Canada, Michigan, Australia and Japan. We reciprocated these visits to Japan, and multiple times to Australia. These experiences gave our family a taste of other cultures and widened our horizons. Some of these relationships continued throughout her life.
Zell-Rae was quite the cook and baker. There were always pre-made meals in the freezer for unexpected guests. She and Dad kept the pantry stocked with canned goods every year; and there were always homemade rolls and desserts for holiday meals.
Zell-Rae enjoyed many hobbies through the years. She quilted, tole painted, scrapbooked, sewed clothing, did puzzles and read a lot of books. She loved music.
Zell-Rae loved to travel and see new places. Vic and Zell-Rae’s travels included Hawaii, Mexico, Fiji, Reno and Australia, often with friends or family.
Zell-Rae was devoted to her family. She was a homemaker, caregiver, wife, mother and grandmother at the same time as being employed. She supported Vicki and Jim in their activities and interests and enjoyed knowing their friends. She cherished her grandchildren and loved being a part of their lives. Dear to her heart in her later years was Diamond, her Pekinese dog, who predeceased her.
After Vic’s passing in 2019, Zell-Rae became reacquainted with her high school sweetheart, Robert Ihrig, of Goldendale. They were married in September 2021. Bob doted on Zell-Rae and catered to her every wish. Their exchanges of sweet endearments showed just how much they meant to each other. They spent the past few years revisiting places from their youth, laughing, enjoying each other’s company and spending time with each other’s families.
Zell-Rae is survived by her husband, Robert; daughter, Vicki; son, Jim (Karen); sister, Donna (Jim); brother, Dennis (Catherine); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Victor; her brother, Larry; and her infant daughter, Joni.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Maple Street Manor adult family home for their compassionate care during the last months of Zell-Rae’s life.
A celebration of Zell-Rae’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Chehalis United Methodist Church.
Please visit Cattermole Funeral Home’s website at https://www.cattermolefh.com/ listings to add your stories, condolences or photos.
