Obituary of Betty Ann Bell

In Loving Memory of Betty Ann Bell
July 30, 1933 – June 15, 2025

It is with great sadness and deep love that the family of Betty Ann Bell of Stettler, Alberta, announces her peaceful passing at the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre on June 15, 2025, at the age of 91.

Betty was born on July 30, 1933, in High River, Alberta, a beloved daughter of Mary and Louis Ziegler. She spent her childhood in Turner Valley, Alberta, where she attended school and began the journey of a rich, adventurous, and loving life well lived that touched countless others.  She met the love of her life, Harold Edward Bell, in Red Willow on October 25, 1950, and together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and family.  Their union was a testament to lasting love, and together they raised three beloved sons: Joe, Richard, and Marty. Betty was a devoted and loving mother, not only to her own children but to everyone she encountered.  Always nurturing, always kind, and always putting others before herself.

Betty held several jobs over the years, each a reflection of her strong work ethic and warm spirit. She worked at the “5 to a Dollar” store in Stettler, at “McCloud's” in Summerland, BC, and later found her favourite role as a cook aboard a dredge in Hay River, Northwest Territories, in 1984; a job she spoke fondly of throughout her life.

Betty’s life was filled with simple joys: she was unbeatable at crib, a passionate card player, a devoted baker, and had a soft spot for hummingbirds, gardening, and anything chocolate. She loved BINGO nights, casinos, and especially spending time gambling, travelling, and visiting with her sisters, children, and grandchildren.

A woman with a generous heart, Betty never forgot a birthday, always had something special picked out for each person, and made everyone feel seen, loved, and made sure the world knew how proud she was of all. She was the President of the Red Willow Cemetery Club for nearly 30 years as well as a proud member of the Red Hat Society. Betty was truly a mother and grandmother to all — her door, heart, and cookie jar always open. Family gatherings were full of love and a healthy dose of teasing.  A legacy Betty and Harold created together.  Betty’s spirit overflowed with kindness, humour, and endless generosity.

Betty is celebrated in life by her son Marty Bell and daughter Barbara (Orville) Smith, who carry forward her legacy with strength and pride; she will also be forever adored by her many grandchildren: Bryce (Faye) Bell, Kristy (Harley) Olson, Jason Grant, Valerie (Aaron) Lauritsen, Clayton Bell (Marjan Faghieh), Michelle Bell, Becky Bell (Colin Richardson), Jason (Karen) Bell, Jodi Bell (Rodney), Kyle (Nel) Smith, Shenai (Robert) Horn, and Cayla (Joseph) Standage; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; she will be lovingly remembered by her sisters; Lillian (Bill) Kirtley and Joyce Stuckey: sister-in-law Lorraine (Leonard) Kathol; brother-in-law Leslie Bell, and daughter-in-law, Lynn Bell; as well as the many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whose lives she enriched.

Betty is predeceased by her loving husband Harold and her beloved sons Richard Bell and Joe (Susan) Bell. She is also predeceased by her sisters Jessie (Tom) Panrucker and Lois (Gordon) Klemm, brother-in-law Vic Stuckey, sisters-in-law Doris (Ivan) Bancroft, Shirley (Fred) Merkel, Hilda (Hank) McMurray, Marie Bell, and nephew Louis Klemm.

Betty will be deeply missed, joyfully remembered, and forever cherished.

Celebration of Life

Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 2:00 P.M.

Stettler Funeral Home, Stettler, Alberta

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Red Willow Cemetery Club, c/o Bonnie Pigeon, P.O. Box 218 Stettler, AB T0C 2L0.