She was born September 16, 1941 in Ottumwa to Glen and E. Gertrude Frazey Berry. She married Ronald L. Bell August 15, 1964. He preceded her in death September 23, 1983.

A graduate of Ottumwa High School in 1959, she graduated from Parsons College in 1963 and started her teaching career in Cedar Rapids. She then returned to Ottumwa and taught at Anne G. Wilson School for 38 years, retiring in 2003. She was a member of Willard St. United Methodist Church, Faith Circle, United Methodist Women, His Promise Circle of King's Daughters, AAUW, PEO Chapter G, Delta Kappa Gamma Upsilon Chapter, Delta Zeta Sorority, Ottumwa Womens Club, Wapello County Retired Teachers Association, Wapello County Retired School Personnel Association, "Unofficial" Red Hats Group, Monday and Wednesday Night Bridge Clubs, "Non" Bridge Club, The Great Escapes Book Club, Ottumwa Civic Music Board Member, Ottumwa Education Association member, The Breakfast Club, former GOVAP board member.

Surviving is a daughter, Stephanie of Davenport; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Stephen and Julie Bell, Richard and Virginia Bell all of Ottumwa; niece, Jennifer Thompson of Tallahassee, FL; nephews, Mark Bell of Omaha, NE, Jason Bell of Bloomfield, Brian and Schuyler Bell both of Ottumwa.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Reece Funeral Home with Rev. Sue Babovec officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday with the family present from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Hospice House.