Obituary for LaZelle Simcox Swensson Atkinson

LaZelle Atkinson died November 14, 2025, just shy of 104 years old in Springfield, Mo where she resided most of her life.   Born in Milwaukie, WI on December 29, 1921, Zelle was the daughter of Earl and Viola Simcox Swensson.  She was raised with her two brothers, Earl and Sigurd, who preceded her in death.

She married Thomas E. Atkinson, MD in June 1942. Tom and Zelle raised four sons, Steven (Holly), Rolla MO, Bruce (Bobby), Atlanta GA, Eric (Elaine), Springfield MO and Lance (Debbie) Jacksonville FL.

Together, Tom and Zelle were co-owners of Anchor Hill Arabian Horse Ranch for 37 years. They were founding members of St. James Episcopal Church Springfield. LaZelle taught Sunday School most of her adult life, was on the church vestry and was a member of The Daughters of the King. She graduated from Stephens College and then Southwest Missouri State with a degree in Education. Her volunteer work included being a scout den mother and a classroom volunteer for Springfield Public School for 11 years.

Zelle loved horses, dogs and wildflowers. She could hold her own in a mean game of Scrabble and a hand of Bridge. Golf was a blessing until a golf cart accident spoiled her game! Reading was a life-long passion of her's. She was never bored and never liked to hear that complaint from her children or her grands.

LaZelle was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, husbands, Thomas Atkinson MD in 1985, R. William (Bill) Perry 1999 and Ira D. Bontrager 2018, daughters-in-law, Bobby and Debbie. She is survived by her four sons, 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews with whom she was very close. The family would like to thank Sghenerell Billups, Cox Health at Home for her six years of loving care and service.

Services for LaZelle and a celebration of her life will be held on her 104th birthday, December 29th at St. James Episcopal Church Springfield.  Any memorials may go to PBS, Crosslines Community Outreach or St. James Church.