Myrtle Bell

Myrtle Bell was truly a beautiful woman, inside and out. She purposely looked for ways to give to others, always thinking of their needs before her own. Her kindness, modesty and quiet strength made her someone her family looked to for support, while those outside of her family cherished her friendship and presence.

The Roaring Twenties was a fantastic period in our nation’s history, when the sounds of progress could be heard in every village and city across America. It was the birthplace of jazz, the golden age of industry and above all, a time of plenty. Myrtle entered this bustling world on February 17, 1927, in the city of Moulton, Alabama. She was the second oldest of ten children born to Percy and Lucy Mae (Rutherford) Gillespie. To support their large family, Myrtle’s father worked as a hunter, trapper, taxidermist and farmer, while her mother undoubtedly had her hands full raising ten children. Myrtle’s placement in the sibling lineup meant she carried a heavy load of responsibilities, often times as a mother figure to her younger siblings.

Myrtle received her education in the area schools, but like so many other young girls of the time, she left Moulton County High before graduating in order to help at home. However, Myrtle did go back to school in Plainwell in the early 1980s and proudly earned her GED in 1981.

Myrtle’s life took a new direction when she met Douglas Bell, a friend of her brother Flint, while in high school. It wasn’t long before love blossomed between the two and they were happily married on Christmas Day, 1947. The newlyweds settled into married life together for a time in Moulton, but eventually moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in the early 1950s. It was here the couple would raise their four children together: Gary, Patricia, Don and Phillip. Myrtle devoted herself entirely to being a mother. She was caring and attentive and always took an active role in every phase of her children’s lives. It wasn’t until later in life when her children were older that Myrtle ran a daycare out of her house.

Family was the greatest source of happiness in Myrtle’s life. She looked forward to holiday get togethers and being surrounded by the smiles and laughter of her loved ones. Myrtle stayed close to her family back in Alabama too, as she went back every year for a reunion. She was the proud grandmother and great grandmother of 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Myrtle had a wonderful church family too at Temple Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member. She was also active in the DORUS Circle, a missionary group at church. At one time, Myrtle took a very moving trip to Jerusalem, a place that left her with indelible memories that she truly treasured. Sadly, Myrtle and Doug’s marriage ended in divorce in the mid 1970s, after more than 20 years together.

Myrtle enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: she loved Pepsi, collecting teapots, and reading. She made the best biscuits and peanut brittle ever, and a good cup of tea. It was said that Myrtle had some magical fingers that gave amazing massages.

Myrtle will be lovingly remembered for her generous spirit, her loving humor, and her unconditional love for her family. She will be dearly missed.

Myrtle Bell of Cooper Twp, MI, age 83, passed away on Thursday, October 28, 2010. The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 31, and Monday, November 1, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Myrtle’s home at 414 West “D” Avenue. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 2, at 1 p.m. at the Temple Baptist Church, 3706 Mount Olivet.

Myrtle’s family includes her son, Don (Christina) Bell of Paw Paw; eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; siblings: Flint (Gladys) Gillespie of AL, Wimpy (Nita) Gillespie of AL, Christine Guarisco of IN, Billy (Erin) Gillespie of Galesburg, Mary Ann (Jack) Myers of AL, Peggy (Harold) Shelton of AL, and James (Carolyn) Gillespie of AL. She is preceded in death by her husband, Doug; three children: Gary Bell, Patricia Spangler and Phillip Bell; siblings: Howard Gillespie and Opal Ellenburg. Please visit Myrtle’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign her online guest book before coming to the home or share a memory with her family. Memorial donations may be made to charity of your choice.