Betty M. (Blankenship) Bell

Betty M. Bell, 81, of Clarion passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Clarion.

Funeral services for Betty Bell will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 11, 2015, at the United Presbyterian Church, 219 1st Street Northwest in Clarion with Pastor Bill Kem officiating. Burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church on Friday, beginning at 9:30 AM.

Betty Bell, daughter of Marion J. and Fern M. (Schroder) Blankenship, was born on a farm near Wall Lake on September 30, 1934. She grew up in the Galt area. After graduating from Clarion High School in 1953, she worked for Bell Telephone Company as an operator. Later she was employed in food service with the Clarion Schools where she treasured her many interactions with the students and her co-workers.

Betty was united in marriage to Keith Bell at the Little Brown Church on December 7, 1956. They resided in Clarion all of their married life.

Betty was a faithful member of the United Presbyterian Church and was actively involved with her church family in UPW, teaching Sunday School, and choir. She also served as a deaconess.

Keith and Betty enjoyed many camping trips with their boys as they were growing up and later spent many weekends at Lake Cornelia with family. Betty was always ready for a game of cards. Other high points were their yearly trips to Seattle and Derek’s overnights. She took great pride in her grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments.

Betty is survived by her husband Keith of Clarion; her children, Brian (Vicky) Bell of Goldfield and Steve (Eileen) Bell of Bonney Lake, Washington; grandchildren, Lindsey Rice, Cheyenne Bell, and Derek Bell; sisters, Karen Hilpipre, Marlene Grote, and sister-in-law, Marliss Blankenship. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Verle.