Martha
Martha J. Bell
Martha Jean Bell passed away Thursday, August 24, 2017 at her home at Baraga Manor.
She was born in Moline, Illinois, January 11, 1924 to Otto and Elsie (Waterworth) Agy. From age 4 she grew up in Gun Plain Township and graduated from Plainwell High School in 1941. She married Kember Bell and they enjoyed 58 years together with their beloved children. As well as in Michigan, she had resided in Kansas, Arkansas and Texas, working with churches and other volunteer projects. In early adulthood, she worked in clerical and retail, later retiring from WEBB &H Attorneys as a legal secretary. Following her retirement she worked at Ozark Guidance Center in Springdale, Arkansas as a medical transcriptionist.
In her lifetime she enjoyed writing and publishing both prose and poetry, knitting, crocheting, editing newsletters as well as various volunteer projects. Martha accepted Christ in early adulthood and enjoyed many years involved in working with children’s church activities. In her later years she attended Friendship Wesleyan Church.
Surviving are her daughter, Garnet (Jose) Calzada of Rio Grande City, TX; daughter-in-law, Bonnie (Knight) Bell; son-in-law, Norman Andress; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; brother, Ernest Agy along with many nieces and nephews. “Love you all so much!”
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, William Bell in 2005; daughter, Shirley Rae Andress in 2009; sister, Ellen Falkenstein; sister-in-law, Jo Agy, brother-in-law, James Falkenstein and great-granddaughter, Ashley Pallett in 2016.
According to her wishes cremation has taken place.
Burial of ashes will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego Township at a later time.
Contributions in memory of Martha may be made to the
West Michigan Cancer Center
or the charity of choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Martha J. Bell
Condolence Messages
Teri Laster
August 24, 2017 at 4:11 pm
So sorry to hear of “Mama” Bells passing. She was my second mom in high school as I lived at their house more than my own. Shirley & I were inseparable. She was the most gracious, sweet lady I have had the pleasure of knowing. I know she is at peace with her loving family & walking those streets of gold. R.I.P. My sweet Jean. Prayers to all her family for peace. Special love to my sweet surrogate nephew Todd Bell.
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Todd Bell
August 26, 2017 at 1:04 am
Thank you Teri, you are so sweet. Miss you and would love to see you.
Reply
Williams Family
August 26, 2017 at 9:21 am
The loss of a cherished loved one is the most devastating experiences a family can face. At times, the loss may seem unbearable. Please know that there are family and friends who care and more importantly Psalm 34:18 tells us that “God is near to those that are broken at heart. He is the God of all comfort. God will comfort you during this difficult time of grief. Our prayers are also with you and your family.
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She was born in Moline, Illinois, January 11, 1924 to Otto and Elsie (Waterworth) Agy. From age 4 she grew up in Gun Plain Township and graduated from Plainwell High School in 1941. She married Kember Bell and they enjoyed 58 years together with their beloved children. As well as in Michigan, she had resided in Kansas, Arkansas and Texas, working with churches and other volunteer projects. In early adulthood, she worked in clerical and retail, later retiring from WEBB &H Attorneys as a legal secretary. Following her retirement she worked at Ozark Guidance Center in Springdale, Arkansas as a medical transcriptionist.
In her lifetime she enjoyed writing and publishing both prose and poetry, knitting, crocheting, editing newsletters as well as various volunteer projects. Martha accepted Christ in early adulthood and enjoyed many years involved in working with children’s church activities. In her later years she attended Friendship Wesleyan Church.
Surviving are her daughter, Garnet (Jose) Calzada of Rio Grande City, TX; daughter-in-law, Bonnie (Knight) Bell; son-in-law, Norman Andress; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; brother, Ernest Agy along with many nieces and nephews. “Love you all so much!”
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, William Bell in 2005; daughter, Shirley Rae Andress in 2009; sister, Ellen Falkenstein; sister-in-law, Jo Agy, brother-in-law, James Falkenstein and great-granddaughter, Ashley Pallett in 2016.
According to her wishes cremation has taken place.
Burial of ashes will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego Township at a later time.
Contributions in memory of Martha may be made to the
West Michigan Cancer Center
or the charity of choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Martha J. Bell
Condolence Messages
Teri Laster
August 24, 2017 at 4:11 pm
So sorry to hear of “Mama” Bells passing. She was my second mom in high school as I lived at their house more than my own. Shirley & I were inseparable. She was the most gracious, sweet lady I have had the pleasure of knowing. I know she is at peace with her loving family & walking those streets of gold. R.I.P. My sweet Jean. Prayers to all her family for peace. Special love to my sweet surrogate nephew Todd Bell.
Reply
Todd Bell
August 26, 2017 at 1:04 am
Thank you Teri, you are so sweet. Miss you and would love to see you.
Reply
Williams Family
August 26, 2017 at 9:21 am
The loss of a cherished loved one is the most devastating experiences a family can face. At times, the loss may seem unbearable. Please know that there are family and friends who care and more importantly Psalm 34:18 tells us that “God is near to those that are broken at heart. He is the God of all comfort. God will comfort you during this difficult time of grief. Our prayers are also with you and your family.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
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