Mary Martha Bell-Patton

Mary Martha Bell-Patton, age 87, of Bloomington, died Saturday evening at I.U. Health; Bloomington Hospital. Mary was born July 20, 1928 in Indianapolis, the daughter of John B. and Beulah B. (Watkins) Bell. Mary grew up in the Unionville area being primarily raised by her mother along with the assistance of her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Yockey during the period of the Great Depression. She graduated from Unionville High School. Mary took pride in being a very professional woman and retired as a supervisor for the I.U. Conference Bureau. After retirement she still did small jobs for the different departments within the university. Mary was the loving wife of James Todd Patton and together they were very active with the V.F.W., St. Paul United Methodist Church and with their support as active and avid fans of the Indiana University Men’s Basketball teams over the years. Mary had also been very active with the American Diabetes Association.

Mary is survived by three nieces, Sharon Stewart, of Montgomery, Alabama, Carolyn (John) Tousley, of Zionsville and Merrily Patton Kent, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, one nephew, Stanley Crawford (Peggy) Kent, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; eight great-nieces and nephews, Alison Kent, James Todd Kent, Rebecca K. (Tracy) Stewart, Kathleen (Andrew) Guy, Adam Tousley, Benjamin Tousley, Doug Tousley and Claire Tousley and two great-great nieces and nephews, Andrew and Allie.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, one sister, Blanche Evelyn Bell Wehr and one nephew, Michael Wehr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home; 4150 E. Third St. with Rev. Dr. David Mullens officiating. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Friends may visit the family on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the American Diabetes Association or to the Bloomington V.F.W.