Zola Ruth McMahon, 91, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 5. She was a lifelong educator, community servant, and beloved matriarch whose warmth and generosity touched everyone she met.
Zola was born in Lonetree on Aug. 6, 1934, to Joseph and Erma Early Hickey. In her younger years, she proudly served as a rodeo queen, a role that reflected her confidence, spirit, and deep roots in her heritage.
A graduate of Mountain View High School, Zola went on to earn her degree from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, setting the foundation for a career devoted to teaching and service.
On Nov. 22, 1957, she married William (Bill) McMahon. They made their home in Maquoketa beginning in the mid-1960s, where Zola became a familiar and cherished presence for decades. While she lived in Maquoketa, her heart remained in Lonetree, where she annually visited the family ranch.
Zola dedicated her professional life to education, teaching generations of students and ending her career at Cardinal Elementary School in 1998. Her commitment to learning extended well beyond the classroom. She served on the Maquoketa Community School District School Board and volunteered tirelessly throughout the community, including in local schools, delivering Meals on Wheels, and providing pet therapy.
Zola was an active member of the Jackson County Humane Society Board, the Jackson County Hospital Auxiliary, and Maquoketa Retired Teachers.
Known for her open-door policy, she welcomed everyone with warmth, conversation, and good food. Friday nights were sacred, complete with party snacks, a cool, refreshing beverage, a deck of cards, and good company.
Zola loved plants and flowers, playing cards, a wide variety of music and the simple pleasure of being together with those she loved. She especially cherished shopping trips with friends and fashion shows with her granddaughters, moments filled with laughter and love.
Zola is survived by her two children, Micheal (Tami) McMahon of Missoula, Montana, and Shawnna (John) Murphy of Huxley, Iowa; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were the great joy of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her brothers, Dick and Jack.
Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she taught, helped, fed, comforted, and welcomed. Zola will be remembered for her generosity, her hospitality, and the steady presence that made everyone feel at home.
