Kelisa "Kelli" Marie Zink

Kelisa “Kelli” Marie Zink, age 66, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at Franciscan Health. She was born in Lafayette on February 2, 1959, to Robert & Shirley Zink. She graduated from Benton Central High School in 1977, and then attended Purdue University earning her associates in Nursing.

Kelli was a labor and delivery nurse for 45 years, and took care of at least 21,000 babies over the span of her career. She started out at Home Hospital and then transitioned to Franciscan Health. Kelli was in the postpartum unit and was such a gift to thousands of mothers over the years. She was also a Neonatal Resuscitation Program Instructor, Patient Care Coordinator and LDRP attendance and timekeeper. Kelli was known to many as “Mama” and had a selfless and nurturing spirit. In honor of Kelli’s 45 years of service, Franciscan Lafayette East Newborn Nursery was dedicated to Kelli on September 12, 2025.

Outside of her career, Kelli was formerly involved in, American Hereford Association, Indiana Hereford Association as well as a Longeberger consultant. She loved showing cattle and spending time with her nieces and nephews who gave her immense joy.

She is survived by her Mother, Shirley Ann (Hall) Zink; siblings, Robin (Rex) Tribbett of Linden, Shaun (Clark) Ponder of Veedersburg, and Pat (Jennifer) Zink of Oxford; nieces & nephews, Hillary Tribbett of Los Angeles, CA, Brooke (Mike) Eveland of Paris, IL, Shelby (Jacob) Pletcher of Eskridge, KS, Lane (Skylar) Zink of Stillwater, OK, and Kale (Grace Klooz) Zink of Oxford; great-niece & nephew, Piper & Carson Pletcher. She was preceded in death, 21 years ago by her Father, Robert Zink.

Visitation will be held on September 19, 2025, from 4-7 pm at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 102 W. Luin St. Oxford, IN. A graveside service will be held the next day, September 20, at Oxford Catholic Cemetery at 11:00 AM, with Father David Buckles officiating. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Kelli to: The Franciscan Health Foundation, for the Maternal & Child Health funds. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home is honored to serve the Zink family. Please leave memories and condolences at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com