Mary Bell Obituary

Mary Evelyn Bell August 24, 1930 - January 5, 2024 The Bell family said goodbye to their Matriarch on January 5, 2024.

Mary Wagner was born at home in Grand Rapids, MN in 1930 where, during her early years, she was raised by her beloved Aunt Phroney.

Mary, her parents, and three siblings were separated by the Depression until a new two-bedroom home was built, reuniting them under one roof by 1940.

Good schooling elevated Mary's gift for penmanship and arithmetic. Her penchant for accuracy was a natural fit for a bookkeeping position at the local grocery store.

Robert Bell was a WWII Veteran and a skilled outdoor enthusiast who literally met his destiny while delivering Coca Cola to Mary's employer in 1949. After meeting in the aisle, and recognizing each other's strong faith and moral compass, both knew early that their futures would be together. Married on November 5th that same year, they planned for six children, had four in Minnesota and two in Loup City, Nebraska, their sixth being born in 1962. The small Loup City farming community reaffirmed the Bell's cherished family values.

In 1966, a carefully chosen new hometown brought a move to Monte Vista, Colorado where the high elevation and dry climate provided relief from allergies. Robert and Mary soon started a popular new Coast to Coast Hardware store. Juggling her work at the store while raising six children came easy to Mary Bell. She had determined long ago that raising a wholesome family was the most important thing she wanted to accomplish in life. With sheer will and a good man's support, she made this happen.

Mary prioritized a quality life for her family that seemed to emanate from her kitchen. One meal ended while the next one started, and the centerpiece was always her many loaves of homemade fresh bread. Though a humble woman, never seeking attention, she was instantly described by all as the best Mom ever.

All six children graduated high school in Monte Vista and were well prepared for a challenging world.

With an empty nest in the 1990s, Robert and Mary moved to Battlement Mesa, Colorado where their new neighbors waited in line to play cards with the Bells!

Mary perfected her grandmother joys while Bob had two hole-in-ones and shot his age on the golf course. No matter where they were, their children and grandchildren were always visiting. Once again, Mary's heart emanated from her kitchen where she also expertly taught others how to play cards - if you were lucky, she might let you win.

The couple's last move brought them down the interstate to Grand Junction, CO, closer to some of their children.

Mary lost her husband Bob in 2008 after caring for him like only Mary could do. Living alone for the first time in sixty years, Mary's love of family kept her from slowing down as she always made time for her children. Even in her 90s, she still wanted to be part of every family occasion. She smiled when her children laughed and beamed while watching the next generation grow. Shining from Mary for 93 and a half years was her faith, her family, seeing the best in people, her laugh, compassion for others, her wisdom, and her wholesome family growing beyond imagination. She was always in the middle of the room, even if she dozed off for a few minutes, she was always there. And always will be.

Bob and Mary Bell set the bar high for parenthood and blessed the Earth with 6 children,16 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren.

Services will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Jan 15th, 2024 at noon, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to....HopeWest Hospice.