Stella J. Zaharako

Stella Jonson Zaharako of Centerville, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025. She enjoyed a full life that was well-lived. She was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, business woman, and friend. Born in Hamilton, Ohio on December 6, 1922, the first child of eight to Nicholas and Evangeline Jonson, Stella celebrated her 102nd birthday last month in one of her favorite restaurants with family.

A restaurant owner with her late husband, James, Stella owned and operated The Sweet Shop, a restaurant and candy shop in Union City, Indiana for many years. Along with being actively involved in the family business and raising a son and daughter, Stella was actively involved in her church community.

As an interested and engaged citizen, Stella has kept up with national news, politics, and current events...even at 102! Until her failing eyesight made it impossible, Stella was an avid reader through her 100th year.

Widowed at 77, Stella was gregarious and enjoyed the public. She spent several years working as a hostess in the restaurant business.

Stella is survived by her daughter, Lynn; grandsons, Seth Zaharako and his wife Megan Zaharako and Todd Zaharako (Niro Amerasekera); daughter-in-law, Shanda Zaharako; former granddaughter-in-law, Carolina; great grandchildren, Alana Zaharako and Zico Zaharako; sister, Virginia Annes; brother, Denny Jonson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband James (Jim) Zaharako; son, Alan Zaharako; brothers, Chris Jonson, James Jonson, and George Jonson; and sisters, Venus Miller and Mary Christos.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 9 am - 10 am at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (500 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH ). Funeral service will begin at 10 am. Stella will be laid to rest in Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, Indiana.

Donations in memory of Stella can be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of Dayton or Hospice of Dayton. 

To share a memory of Stella or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.