Mary Ireta Bell

Mary A. Bell

Richfield, Utah

Mary Ireta Anderson Bell, 89 of Richfield, passed away, Saturday, January 21, 2012 in St. George. She was born, November 5, 1922 in Monroe to Bardell and Lasca Leavitt Anderson. She grew up on their family farm in "Monkey Town" southwest of Monroe, and loved every minute of every adventure.

She married Ronald Hal Bell, August 16, 1943 in Salt Lake City, their marriage was solemnized August 5, 1969 in the Manti LDS Temple, he preceded her in death, May 17, 1999.

Mary is survived by her children, Dennis C. Bell, Gordon H. Bell, both of Richfield; Kevin W. (Marilyn) Bell of Logan, Tony (Kerrilee) Bell of Cedar City and Laurie (Devin) Magleby of Monroe; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded death by a son, Spencer Alan Bell; brother, Wayne Anderson; sisters, Donna Belle Naccarato, Jane Nay and grandson, Dennis C. Bell Jr.

Mary and Hal raised their family in Monroe until 1963 when they moved to Richfield where Mary began working for the Bureau of Land Management in Richfield and St. George. After she retired from the BLM, she lived the rest of her life in Richfield at her home on 500 West.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in several callings while raising her family. She especially enjoyed working in the Young Women’s program.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to cook and write poetry. She loved her flower gardens and looked forward to frequent visits from her family, right down to the newest great-grandchildren. During these visits she would have her latest recipe of great meals and favorite desserts to share with all that were there. Some of her favorites things to prepare were her sweet rolls, potato salad and chicken noodle soup, among others. She loved good music especially listening to piano and organ music later in life.

The family extends their appreciation to the staff and management to Kolob Regional in Cedar City and Stonehenge of Richfield, for the tender care given to our mother and our family over the last couple of years.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Magleby Mortuary, 50 South 100 West in Richfield. Friends may call at the mortuary on Thursday morning from 9:00 to 10:30. Burial will be next to her sweet husband in the Monroe City Cemetery.