November 03, 1925 - December 30, 2015
Our beautiful Mother, Beatrice Lucille Bell, entered into heaven peacefully on December 30th, 2015, surrounded by her family. Bea was born November 3, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska to Hiram Sage and Vera Regina (Hudson) Manville. Bea attended the University of Nebraska where she met Robert C Bell on a blind date. Bob served with the US Army in Europe, and upon his return, they married in Omaha on June 30, 1946. Bob and Bea moved to Boise, Idaho where they welcomed their son, Daron Mark Bell, on October 26, 1947. Daughter, Sharon Maree was born on September 29, 1949, and daughter, Carol Luann was born on September 15, 1954. The family made their home in Spokane, Washington for more than a decade before moving to Bellevue, Washington in 1968. Bea became an active member of Overlake Service League (later Bellevue LifeSpring), where she achieved a lifetime member award, and volunteered countless hours in the league thrift shop. She was a member of Bellevue Women’s Club and an avid and expert bridge player. Bea later followed in her father’s footsteps to become an extremely successful real estate agent, earning awards as a top agent in the area. Mom and Dad enriched their lives traveling both nationally and internationally. She was also an accomplished artist in both watercolor and oils. For years, she created her own greeting and Christmas cards using her beautiful paintings. Bea was a devoted member of Bellevue Presbyterian Church and was active in the Lydia Women’s Circle, the Women at the Well, and served as a Deacon until her death. It has been a comfort to hear how Mom touched people’s lives. She has been described as an all too rare person who was genuinely kind, wise, and non-judgmental. Mom never knew a stranger and made friends everywhere she went. Friends and family knew her as the cheerful, positive, loving, vibrant, smart, witty, playful person that she was. Because of her deep faith, no challenge daunted her positive spirit and amazing zest and love for life. Bea was preceded in death by her son, Daron; her parents; her husband, Bob; and her sister, Betty Heider. She is survived by daughters, Sharon Grunwald (Doyle King), and Carol (Kevin) Person; sister Barbara Tobiska; grandsons Matthew (Julie Rudasill) Person, and Michael (JJ) Person; and great grandson Bennett Robert Person. Special thanks to Evergreen Hospice and Hospice of Spokane. A service celebrating the life of Bea will take place on March 12, 2016 at 11:30am at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Bellevue Presbyterian Church, Hospice of Spokane, Evergreen Hospice, Bellevue Lifespring, or a charity of your choice. Community Cremation & Funeral - Spokane Valley - 13127 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, (509)926-2020 - Communitycremationandfuneral.com
