Bell, Mary M.

Mary M. Bell, 90, of the East Towne Care Center, Independence, formerly of Atkins, died at the care center on Sunday, April 17, 2011, after a long illness. Memorial services at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, where friends may call after 2 p.m. Thursday. The Rev. Charles Clark will officiate. Inurnment at the Mount Clark Cemetery in Central City. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include two brothers, Norman Neal of Swisher, and William (Evelyn) Neal of Cedar Rapids; and a sister, Mabel Long of Ely.

She is also survived by four grandchildren, Derrie (Donald) Rawson of Troy Mills, Gary (Debra) Bell of Alburnett, Terry Bell of Virginia, and Larry Bell Jr. (special friend, Kim) of Cedar Rapids; special friends, Wanda Kremer and Orland Frieden, both of Central City; 10 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, Larry Sr.

Mary was born on June 20, 1920, in Keswick, the daughter of Raymond and Inez Vandee Kerkove Neal. She married V. Keith Bell on March 14, 1937, in Cedar Rapids. He died in 2003. Mary was a homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, yard work, bingo, reading, crossword puzzles, going to the casino and especially the time she spent with her beloved family and friends.

Memorial donations may be given to Cedar Valley Hospice or to East Towne Care Center in Mary's name.