Obituary of DELORES ANN CAREY BELL

OBITUARY FOR DELORES ANN CAREY BELL

April 1, 1927 – January 30, 2024

Delores Bell, beloved of all who knew her, passed peacefully at the age of 96 years on January 30, 2024. Her legacy of loving care and kindness will provide a lasting grace for those she leaves for now. Delores, affectionately known as Dee or Mama Dee, was born in Valley Center, Kansas on April 1, 1927 to William and Grace Carey. She was married for 48 years to Dr. T. H. Bell, a Doctor of Chiropractic (preceding her in 1995) where she worked alongside him as his office assistant for many years in Ashland, Pratt and Hutchinson, Kansas. In 2008, she moved to New Mexico where she resided next door to her daughter, Melody and husband, Audie. She was a devoted mother and is survived by three children, Jeanette Hirt of Batavia IL, Melody Bell (Audie) of Bosque NM, and Stan Bell also of Bosque NM. Her brother, Robert, preceded her and her sister, Muriel Schuster, lives in Olathe KS. Delores was delighted to be grandmother to 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.

Upon retirement she enjoyed several years of volunteering in the service of Hospice Care and Bereavement Counseling. She also provided service as an Ombudsman for the State of Kansas and Mediation for Small Claims Court.

As a wife and mother, her talents knew no bounds. She loved to cook, entertain and try out new recipes for friends and family. She was active in the community and a member of Beta Sigma Phi. She loved nature and supported many environmental and nature organizations.

She was a beautiful example of aging gracefully and, in spite of physical limitations, continued entertaining her family with humorous anecdotal stories and a spunky attitude until her very last day.