Wilma Loretta Bell went to Heaven on September 2, 2022. She was 91 years old, born November 21, 1930 to James William (Willie) and Nellie Marie Dean in Leachville, Arkansas. The family moved to southern Missouri, the Ozarks, when she was 2 years old.
In Missouri she met and married her husband, Kenneth Bell and they were then married for over 60 years. Shortly after their marriage they moved to the Pacific Northwest, settling in Morton, Washington. Five children were born and raised there. Kenneth Ron Bell (Denise) now residing in Tumwater, Kathleen Bieker, Centralia, Denny Bell (Donna), Centralia, Susan Merzoian (Steve), Toledo and Tammy Putman (Chris), Centralia.
Wilma worked at Morton General Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 10 years, a rewarding experience, as she made friends with many co-workers. After Kenneth's retirement, they moved to Centralia, Washington where Wilma continued to enjoy her hobbies: working in her yard/garden, sewing and making many hand stitched quilts. With the help of the Lord, she enjoyed writing and singing songs, feeling very blessed.
Preceding her in death are husband Kenneth Bell, wonderful grandson, Nathan Farley Bell, parents James William (Willie) and Nellie Marie Dean, sister Myrtle Bridges, brothers Wayne and Dwayne Dean. She leaves behind her five children, 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandsons as well as two sisters, Vi Clifford of Caldwell, Idaho and Jenny Dean Little of Anacortes, Washington, three brothers, James Tom Dean of Rochester, Washington, Charles (Chuck) Dean of Las Vegas, Nevada and Ken Dean of Winlock, Washington and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wilma was always generous and caring and will be greatly missed by her family and all others who knew her.
A service is to be held Saturday, September 10th, 11:00 a.m. at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S Gold St. Centralia, Washington. A reception at Fords Prairie Grange will follow.
flIn lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee.
