Karen Alice Bell

Karen was born on December 29, 1946, in Chicago, IL. Her parents, Bill and Lois Spears, moved with Karen and her older sister Donna to Pomona, CA, when Karen was six years old. Karen grew up watching the horse races on TV, twirling batons in local parades, and cheering for her middle school. She graduated from Ganesha High School in 1964.

In 1965, Karen married Norman Bell. Together, they purchased a home in Chino where Karen first fulfilled her lifelong dream of having her own horses. After Karen and Norman divorced, Karen moved with their two daughters, Charlene and Jeanine, to Redondo Beach. She worked for Continental Airlines for two years, which allowed the family of three to travel extensively.

Karen returned to Chino where she worked as a secretary for the City. She encouraged her daughters to remain dedicated to their educations and was proud to see them both graduate from college. When her children reached adulthood, Karen moved to Burbank and accepted a position as executive secretary for the law firm of Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato. She was diagnosed with breast cancer on two different occasions while working at the law firm, yet she remained dedicated to her work and fought through her illnesses both times.

Always up for an adventure, Karen pursued many hobbies throughout her life. She loved travelling and visited countries all over the world. She danced, skied and hiked, and even ran the Los Angeles Marathon! In 2003, she became a horsewoman once again with the purchase of her beloved Cowboy. And of course, she was most dedicated to and proud of her family. Karen spent countless weekends looking after her grandchildren and participating in their many activities.

Karen retired from the law firm four years ago. After caring for her father in his final years, she purchased a home in Norco that she shared with her friend, Ron Ferrer. Karen and Ron were able to keep their four horses on the property and she often remarked that she was living her dream.

A surprise diagnosis of gall bladder cancer was delivered just eight weeks before Karen’s death. Karen is survived by her daughters, Charlene Gundlach and Jeanine Manfro, her sons-in-law Chad Gundlach and Eddie Manfro, and her grandchildren Jacob and Luke Gundlach, and Eliana and Sasha Manfro. She is also survived by her nieces Renee Reid Brown, Aimee Reid Stinar, and Jenelle Reid Parra as well as many cousins and friends, including Ron Ferrer. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Lois Spears, and her sister Donna Reid.

The family would like to thank the staff of Meridian Gardens of Riverside for the constant and loving care that they provided to Karen in her final days.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 10, 2016 at 10:00 AM, at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park and Mortuary. 11500 Arlington Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505. 951-689-1441. A reception will be held at Karen’s home immediately following the service. Karen’s ashes will be scattered at a family ceremony at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Karen Bell.