Juanita May Bell

Nita was born on September 22, 1934, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Ralph W. and Florence (Mellinger) Bush.

She grew up in Chatham, IL, played girls’ basketball, was a cheerleader, marched in the band, and graduated from Ball Township High School in 1952. She married Richard Bell in 1953. He preceded her in death in 2018.

Nita worked at Chatham Bank for many years and retired from the Illinois National Guard. Her talents were numerous- she was an extraordinary seamstress, remarkable cook, master gardener, meticulous computer programmer, phenomenal genealogist, excellent coordinator of class reunions, and loyal fan of college basketball, St. Louis Cardinals, and all Glenwood sports. She was a devoted wife for 65 years. But, her superpower was being a fiercely loving, protective, stern, and nurturing mother to her five children.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Martin (Shari) Bell; and great-grandson, Joseph Grogan.

Nita is survived by her brother, Ralph E. Bush; children, Connie (Earl) Abner, Randall Bell, Maury (Deb) Bell, and Janine (Nick) Nunes; grandchildren, Laurie (Cletus) Pullen, Clinton (Kim) Abner, Joshua (Tara) Bell, Kayla Nunes, Paul (Michelle) Nunes, Kelsey (Eric Childs) Nunes, Jonah Bell, and Karah Bell; great-grandchildren, Jessie Grogan, Jacob (Kaylee Jones) Grogan, Alex (Olivia Quiroa) Gonzales, and Isabelle Nunes; great-great-grandchildren, Evelyn Grogan, Olivia Grogan, Parker Grogan, and Gohan Gonzalez; step-great-grandsons, Blake and Kaleb Edwards; 6 step-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. at Butler Funeral Home- Chatham, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham, with Celebrant Judy Woerner.

Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery.

Please visit www.butlerchatham.com to offer your condolences.