Lolita Bell

BELL, LOLITA--On Wednesday, September 30, Lolita Bell passed away peacefully at Casa Maria Health Care Center in Roswell. She was 85 years old.

Mrs. Bell was born in Grayson County Texas on May 7, 1924. Her family moved to West Texas during the depression, and she graduated from Garden City High School. It was there she met Charles William Bell, who was to become her husband for over 57 years. She and Charles were married in Big Spring in May 1942, and he promptly shipped overseas to serve in the European theater in the Army Air Force. She also served her country during World War II, working as a Rosie the Riveter as well as other assembly line and managerial positions in a war-time aircraft factory in Fort Worth.

After the war, Charles began his life-long career in law enforcement with the Department of Public Safety, and he eventually retired as the DPS Regional Commander in Lubbock. Lolita provided loving support for Charles as she followed him in his assignments, and she bore their first son in Brady, Texas, and their second son in San Antonio. As the boys grew older, she worked part-time at an elementary school in Midland, a job she loved because, like her factory job during World War II, it allowed her to exercise her mind and manage others-- outside the family.

Mrs. Bells life was not always easy, especially during her childhood, but she loved her husband and children as well as her younger brother Ike Reddell and his family. She particularly enjoyed her time with Charles between the time he retired in 1982 and his death in December 1999. She and Charles were members of the Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock, and enjoyed a wide circle of friends in Lubbock, but she moved to Roswell after Charles died and as her health failed. She leaves behind her two sons, Barry Bell and his wife Harriet of Plano, Texas, and Steven Bell and his wife Sharon of Roswell, New Mexico. She also leaves behind four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. As her family can attest, she was a remarkable woman who lived a very full life.

Mrs. Bell will be buried alongside Charles at the City of Lubbock Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3. Mrs. Bell was a member of Southwest Baptist Church, Lubbock, Texas. Sr. Pastor Jerry Wilson will officiate. At her request, there will be a very simple graveside service.

The family wants to thank the staff members of the Casa Maria Health Care Center in Roswell for their sensitive care for Mrs. Bell during her final years. The family also asks that any memorials in the name of Mrs. Bell be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Office of Development, 1501 NW 9th AvenueBob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136-1494.

If friends would like to give their condolences online they may do so at www.lagronefuneralchapels. Com

Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.
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