Leah Maxine Clover Bell

Leah Maxine Clover Bell, 90, of Oakley, California and formerly of Springfield, known to all as Maxine, passed away Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, in California, following her quest to return home, in the loving care of the hospice team.

Mrs. Bell was born in Lomax, Illinois on June 26, 1924, to George M. Clover and Eva M. (Kern) Clover. She went to school in Terre Haute, Illinois and Burlington, Iowa.

She married James Edgar Bell on her 22nd birthday on June 26, 1946, and he preceded her in death in February of 1998.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell began their married life together in La Harpe, Illinois. In 1947, they moved to Rolla, Missouri, where Mr. Bell attended university. In 1949, after Mr. Bell's university graduation, they moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa, along with their daughter, Patricia. The family then moved to Nevada, where they lived for two and one half years. In 1952 they moved to Springfield, Illinois, where daughters Pamela and Penny were born.

Mrs. Bell was a homemaker for most of her life. She loved to sew and made many clothes for her three daughters. She became employed at a fabric shop in Springfield, Illinois, enjoying the time helping people with their sewing needs.

She is a member of the First Christian Church of Springfield, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Bell were active members of the Polk of A. organization and danced their way across the USA with polka activities. Mrs. Bell was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and participated in many American Legion program and events. Later in life, Mrs. Bell joined a fitness club and enjoyed water aerobics for many years, making many new friends.

In August 2010, Mrs. Bell moved to California to live with daughter, Patricia, and her husband, Keith. Mrs. Bell enjoyed her time in California and was involved with Patricia and Keith's clubs, where all the members knew her as "mom". Daughter Pamela and family returned to California in 2011 and the family has fond memories of their times together. In June 2014, Patricia, Pamela and Penny, family and friends joined together to celebrate Mrs. Bell's ninetieth birthday.

Mrs. Bell is survived by her three daughters: Patricia Bell (Keith Handy), Pamela Musselman (Gene), and Penny Matthiesen (Michael); four grandchildren: Judson Musselman, Zackery Musselman, Lindsay Impson and Casey Vandenberg; and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Joan Siegworth (John) and Maxine Clover, many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen St., Springfield, with burial to follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of funeral service on Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter, 2309 W. White Oaks Dr., Ste. E, Springfield, IL 62704.