Leola Marie Bell, 92, of Stoutland, died Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, in Lebanon.
She was born June 7, 1930, in Sweden, Mo. to Roy “Buddy’’ and Mary Eula Dye Peterson.
On Dec. 18, 1948, she married Mearle Bell.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Mearle Bell, and by one son, Michael.
Leola was a lifelong educator teaching for many years and after retirement she continued substitute teaching for many more years until her health declined and she was unable to do the things she loved most. She enjoyed all types of needle work including quilting, crocheting and sewing. She especially liked to make things for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as friends. She loved to play cards at the Stoutland Senior Center after retirement with her many friends. She loved the outdoors, especially gardening and taking care of her flowers. Leola was a collector of many items that were given as gifts over the years.
She received Christ as her Savior at a young age at one of her Grandpa Dye’s revivals. She had been a member of Mount Pleasant Methodist Church for many years until her health prevented her attending.
Leola is survived by two sons and one daughter, Mark Bell of Stoutland and Max Bell and his wife LaNita, of Stoutland; her daughter, Mitzi Boer and her husband Edward of Lebanon; six grandchildren, Margaret Anne Gray and her husband Lyle, Mari-Anne Biggers and her husband Ricky, Michaele Bell, Kristin Brent and her husband Montez, and Michael Boer and his wife Julia and Sierra Blair and her husband Victor; thirteen great-grandchildren, Michael and Maci Gray, Karsyn Biggers, Mylie and Ransom Ratterrree, Isaiah Bell, Kameron, Jalan and Mason Brent, May, River and Cylas Zuber and Gideon Boer; two sisters, Cleo Huffman of Springfield, and Edith Barber of Derby, Kan.; other relatives and her many friends.
Funeral services for Leola Marie Bell will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Stanley Jones officiating. Burial will be in Harrill Simlin Cemetery near Stoutland, under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Visitation for Leota will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. Memorials have been suggested in Leola’s memory to Harrill Simlin Cemetery. Donations may be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, 1001 N. Lynn or P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, Mo. 65536. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapelchapel.com.
