Athelene lived her early years in the Adair community until the family moved to Vinita when she was 10 years old. After graduating from Vinita High School she attended/graduated from the University of Tulsa, majoring in Home Economics for Radio and Television.

After marrying Dean Zilar in 1956 they resided in Tulsa, OK. While Dean was a landman with Texaco, they were transferred to Wichita, KS and Columbus, OH before returning to Tulsa in 1968. In 1971, the family moved to their cabin on Grand Lake and built a home.

Athelene moved to Grove, OK in 1980 and built a home on Cherokee Golf Course and later moved to a home in Rolling HIlls. She was active with traveling the US with the Grand Lake Travelers and organizing activities with the Red Hat group.

In 2011, Athelene decided to downsize and move in with her oldest daughter in Owasso/Collinsville where she helped feed horses and enjoyed mowing and other outdoor activities. She was active with a game group Got Game and helped host numerous events and holiday parties.

During this time her youngest daughter and daughter-in-law moved to Bradenton, FL.

Athelene would several months at a time in FL and OK. In February 2020, Athelene and her oldest daughter moved to Tulsa, continuing to split her time between OK and FL until her recent illness.

Upon graduating from TU, Athelene taught 1 year for Tulsa Public Schools at Hoover Elementary. When the family moved to their home on Grand Lake, Athelene began teaching 3rd grade at Jay Elementary School, Jay, OK for 28 years.

Athelene was active in Rainbows and Eastern Star with the Methodist church in Vinita, OK.

Athelene graduated from Vinita High School where she was active in the high school band playing the clarinet. Her fondest memory was of a Follies musical in which she roller skated and played the clarinet at the same time!

After high school Athelene attended and graduated from the University of Tulsa with a dual bachelor's degree in Home Economics for Radio and Television. She later returned to TU to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Athelene enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially playing cards and board games! She enjoyed traveling, water aerobics, arts and crafts, and entertaining in her home.