Colleen Bell

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Colleen Bell of Coon Rapids. On Friday, May 26th, 2017, at the age of 74 years, with family at her side, Colleen left us for her place of eternal peace.

Mom was born in Kasota, MN on July 9th, 1942 to Averill Dawley and Melba Dawley. She enjoyed singing, playing piano and was in many plays during high school. She graduated from St. Peter High school in 1960. In November of 1960, Colleen married James Bell and together they had eight children. They moved from St. Peter to Fridley, and then to Coon Rapids where Colleen resided until her passing.

Mom continued to sing and play piano throughout her life. In 1982 she started her own cleaning company, "Home Making Plus," which she and her daughters ran for many years. In 1992, at the age of 50, mom started her 20 year career at Walmart. She served in a number of departments, but loved her time working in personnel.

Even with all eight of us, mom still found time to be "Ma Bell" to many of our childhood friends and claimed many "Walmart Kids" as her own. After she retired, she loved keeping up with everyone on Facebook; it’s how she spent many of her afternoons.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Jamie (Herb), Jeff, Janelle (Mark), Jerry (Jackie), Jon, Jessie (Stacy), Josh and Joy; 17 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; her mother, Melba Dawley; brothers, Tim (Cindy) and Craig; sister, Cynthony (Doug); many nieces, nephews and cousins; and of course, her two little buddies, Hatchi and Harper.

Mom was preceded in death by husband, James Bell; father, Averill Dawley; sister, Carolyne; brother-in-law, Eddie; son-in-law, Terry; and great-grandson, Jack III.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will take place Thursday, June 15th from 5-8PM. A Service of Remembrance will take place at 6PM. All will be held at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, MN.