Vida (Vi) Lucille Zettle Saxion completed her full and adventurous life-journey on January 18, 2016 at the chronological age of 94, yet with the youthful spirit of someone much younger in years. Born in Penns Valley on February 20, 1921, she was the sixteenth of seventeen children born to Roland and Cora Condo Zettle.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Saxion; her only child, Shirley Ann Zettle Andrews; and a granddaughter, Stacey Ann Andrews. She was the last of her generation, having been preceded in death by all of her siblings: Agnes Johnson, Bernice Leedy, Hal Zettle, Ethel Reish, Bill Zettle, Emanual Zettle, Sara Weber, Maurice Zettle, Louella Braucher, Emma Rossman, Earl Zettle, Bob Zettle, Helen Zettle, Pauline Sager, Eve Zettle, and Andrew Zettle.

Vi is survived by three grandchildren, Micki (Curt) Krape, Linda Andrews and Jeanie Andrews; two great-grandchildren, Kyli Krape and Seth Krape; her ex-son-in-law, Ron Andrews; her stepdaughter, Barbara Leitzell; four step-grandchildren, Mary Ellen Lewis, Joycelyn Leitzell, James Leitzell, and Laurel Leitzell; and, six step-great-grandchildren. When Vi's grandchildren and step-grandchildren were young, she and Homer cherished the occasions when all were together playing in her yard, or in the basement, on Pine Street. In addition to her immediate family, Vi is survived by multiple generations of nieces and nephews, literally numbering in the hundreds.

She left high school at a young age to raise her daughter as a single parent, working to achieve the skills needed to become a butcher, and proud of her long employment with A&P Supermarket in Bellefonte. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she enjoyed fellowship, volunteer activities, and involvement with the United Methodist Women organization. She provided service throughout her lifetime, including the American Red Cross, where she was recipient of the Shirley Andrews Volunteer Award. Until her mid-80s, she also enjoyed volunteering in the gift shop at Centre Crest and creating floral arrangements for the residents, which led her to acquire many friends among the residents and staff, who would later become her extended family when she became a resident.

Vi had many close friends and family members with whom she enjoyed staying connected to over the years; and, she always enjoyed hosting parties and family gatherings that were usually overflowing in numbers. When geography, the realities of passing time, and other constraints limited those opportunities, she always looked forward to receiving letters and updates, and visits from nieces and nephews.

Vi loved to travel domestically and internationally with her husband and, following his passing in 1981, independently or with family members, with her last trip being a special visit with her sister and niece in Utah several years ago. While she treasured fond memories from all of her journeys, she and her husband experienced a profound sense of patriotism when they visited France, where her husband was shot upon landing on Normandy beach during World War II and saved by a Bible in his shirt pocket that stopped a bullet. And, she greatly enjoyed her memories of a trip to Africa with one of her nieces that included a hot air balloon safari. Vi's adventurous nature was not isolated to her travels. At the young age of 86 (she cringed at the idea of considering herself "old"), and with a twinkle in her piercing blue eyes, her youthful enthusiasm resurfaced when she went for a ride on a Harley Davidson. When it was suggested that perhaps the next time she should wear a helmet, she just laughed!

In her final years, Vi was fortunate to expand her circle of friends through the staff and caregivers at Wynnwood House and Centre Crest, who became part of a very special family to her. Vi's granddaughters would like to extend their warmest and profound gratitude for the loving care, kindness, and compassion provided at Centre Crest for the past few years. Vi's appreciation and love for the staff was clearly evident each time her brilliant "Vida Smile" surfaced, which at times, even toward the end of her life, might be accompanied by a wink, a smile or a kiss.

Arrangements are under the care of Heintzelman Funeral & Cremation Services. In accordance with Vi's expressed wishes, there will be no public services and her remains will be interred beside her husband at Centre County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Centre County Women's Resource Center, 141 W. Nittany Avenue, State College, PA, 16801, or Centre Crest Auxiliary, 502 E. Howard Street, Bellefonte, PA, 16823.