Marion Bell

When reflecting on the life of Marion Bell, it is easy to see the unending love she had for her family. She lived to care for and serve her husband and children, and she loved being a grandmother, too. After spending only a few moments with Marion it was easy to see that she was a woman of faith first and foremost. Although she traveled all over the world and experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, what made these experiences so memorable was sharing them with the ones she treasured. Deeply loved, Marion will be forever missed.

The 1930s were largely defined by the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and nearly every American family felt the strain. There were things to prove that the American spirit remained, however, as work on Mount Rushmore continued and the New York landscape was forever changed with the completion of both the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. Amidst this eventful time was a time to remember in the lives of Samuel and Nellie (Templeton) Jess as they were thrilled to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Marion on July 15, 1934, in Akron, Ohio. Her parents had both immigrated to America from Scotland and settled in the Ohio area. Marion’s father worked for Goodyear while her mother was a busy homemaker. The third of four in her family, she was raised in the family home alongside her sisters, Sadie, Doris, and Helen. Marion was very close to her siblings, and they remained that way throughout their lives despite living in different states. A young girl of her generation, she liked singing hymns in church and listening to the Gaithers. Marion also attended local schools, graduating from Akron Ohio East High School.

New and exciting changes were in store for Marion when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Robert Bell, and they met through her sister who owned a home in Robert’s neighborhood. One night Marion was babysitting for her sister and out walking with the baby, and it was then that she met Robert. Sparks flew, and the couple began dating. Their love grew, over time and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Marion and Robert were married on June 5, 1954.

After a honeymoon in Atlantic City, the couple settled into an apartment for a short time. They then bought a home in Redford, Michigan, and it was there that they raised their two children, Robin and Renee. Marion was an amazing mother who was very dedicated to her children. Actively involved in their lives, she spent much of her time volunteering in the PTA at their school during their elementary years. Marion was a great cook, but her talent really was in baking. She did enjoy baking for her family, but she also perfected her baking skills because she had quite the sweet tooth for any kind of sweet or candy.

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Marion filled her days with the people and experiences that truly mattered. She was an avid reader who found such peace, comfort, and encouragement from reading scripture, and she also enjoyed reading Christian romance books. Together she and Robert traveled all over the world and saw so many of the most amazing places. She collected spoons from every state in the nation, and Marion also picked up some from their travels in other parts of the world. She also had an extensive collection of Rockwell plates. Although she craved sweets throughout much of her life, later on Marion developed a craving for chicken nuggets.

Truly beautiful on the inside and out, Marion Bell was a blessing in the lives of the people she met. She was gracious and humble, genuine and kindhearted in everything she did. Guided by her faith, Marion was an inspiration to all who were within her reach. She leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever treasure.

Marion E. Bell age 81, of Dewitt, Michigan passed away on Tuesday June 21, 2016 at Rest Haven Home surrounded by her family. Marion was preceded in death by her parents, her three sisters Sadie, Doris and Helen. Marion is survived by her husband, Robert; children Robin (Clifford) Van Slyke, Renee (Dan) Henry; grandchildren Robert (Kristina) Van Slyke, Karen Van Slyke, Eric (Kristie) Henry, Teresa (Matthew) Jorgensen, Brian Henry ( fiancé Trish Hubbard), Kathryn Henry; great grandchildren, Kayla Van Slyke, Jonathan Van Slyke, Mae Henry; and nephew Douglas Cocklin. Relatives and friends may visit with her family at Rest Haven Homes, 1424 Union Ave NE, on Friday June 24th from 1:30 until the time of the service at 2:00PM. Contributions in Marion’s memory to Rest Haven Home are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign her guest book or leave a memory of Marion.