Vera Mae Bell

Vera Mae Wegelin Bell, 84, passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at her home in Sun Lakes, Banning, CA. She was born on August 05, 1929, in Gering, Nebraska, the first child of Jacob and Amelia (Molly) Wegelin. She started confirmation class in Nebraska at the Lutheran Church where she spoke only German before learning English. In 1940, her family moved to California where Vera was confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Inglewood, California. Her confirmation song was: “Just As I Am”

Vera graduated from Inglewood High School in 1946. At age 17, she worked at the Inglewood Post Office where she met her future husband, Gene Bell. Gene had just returned from WWII as a Marine in the Pacific. They were married April 6th, 1947, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Inglewood, California. Their candlelight wedding ceremony was highlighted by one of Vera’s favorite songs, “The Lord’s Prayer”.

Vera worked at many places during her lifetime. She worked for the Bilson Bakery; was a clerk for the Bell Telephone Company; and a baker at Inglewood High School. Vera was also blessed with the skill of cake decorating that she enjoyed sharing at numerous couples’ weddings. While she baked and decorated wedding cakes, Vera raised four, active boys at home. Her last formal employment was with Western Airlines that eventually became Delta Airlines, retiring in 1985. Vera and Gene have previously lived in Los Alamitos, Hemet and moved to Sun Lakes in 1994.

Working for the airlines opened wonderful opportunities for Gene and Vera to travel. They traveled all over the world meeting new friends and new found relatives while delving into her family’s genealogy. While retired, Vera was very active with the Lutheran Braille Workers of America.

She is survived by her husband Gene E. Bell of Banning, CA: sisters Dorothy L. Crowell and Eleanor (Elly) Polchow of Banning, CA; and Betty Dent of San Pablo, CA. Sons Craig S. Bell and wife, Darcy, of Banning, CA; Bradley A. Bell of Belgrade, MT; Kurt E. Bell from Menifee, CA; David L. Bell and wife, Patti from Seattle, WA; grandchildren Kyle J. Bell of Manhattan Beach, CA; Brooke K. and Thomas Johnson of Aurora, CO; Erin K. and Patrick Brady of Bozeman, MT; Belinda A. Bell of Belgrade, MT; Troy and Kristen Cattell, Victoria Carlson and great-grandchildren Kole T. Johnson and Kailey A. Johnson, and Adrianna Cattell. Additionally, Vera is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, countless friends, and relatives.

Visitation Sunday, February 10, 2013, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, California.

Funeral service Monday, February 11, 2013, at 11:00 am, Grace Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Wilson Street, Banning, California.

Graveside service Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at 1:30 pm, Riverside National Cemetery, staging area #3, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, California.

Arrangements were entrusted to Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, California.