Mary Ann Bell

A funeral service for Mary Ann Bell was held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the First Christian Church of Perry. Pastor Time Johnson provided words of comfort. Honorary casket bearers were Gregg Hall, Jackie Hall, Eric Klute, Joel Klute, Heather Klute, Scott Van Gundy, Renee Van Gundy, Chad Behn and Sara Behn. Natalia Peterson was the vocalist and musician. Hymns performed were How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace and Wind Beneath My Wings. A lunch was held at the church for family and friends following the service. Mary Ann Bell (ne Updike) died peacefully on May 24, 2015 in Waconia, MN at the age of 88. Mary Ann was born on September 23, 1926 in Clarinda, IA, the fifth child and only girl to Pearl and Jessie Updike. She married Jack Francis Eugene Bell, the love of her life, on August 12, 1942. That day began 72 years of love and devotion beyond compare. Mary Ann set about fulfilling her dream of creating a warm, loving home for Jack and her girls. Mary Ann was beautiful with a smile that lit up the room. She made friends easily and took special care to maintain those friendships throughout her life. She loved her church and was an active and dedicated member. Mary Ann and Jack enjoyed 10 fun-filled years in retirement traveling in their RV across the US making memories and friends as they went. They moved to Minnesota in 2005 to be near their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary Ann is survived by husband of 72 years, Jack, and their children, Pam Hall, Deborah (Todd) Dolan, and Jolene (Paul) Makowesky; 5 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her 5 brothers (Kenneth, Harold, Joe, Richard and Jack), and one great-grandchild (Peyton Van Gundy). The family would like to thank Janet Russell, loving companion for her dedication to Mary Ann, Auburn Meadows and Auburn Homes care providers for their kindness and compassion throughout Mary Ann's stay with them and especially at the time of her passing. Mary Ann lived in love and died in peace. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Christian Church, Perry IA at 1224 Lucinda St., Perry, IA 50220 or Auburn Homes & Services at 594 Cherry Dr., Waconia, MN 55387. Condolences can be sent to Jack at 591 Cherry Drive, Apt 327, Waconia, MN 55387.