OBITUARY

Helen Theresa Bell

December 6, 1926 – March 16, 2013

Helen Theresa (Stoffer) Bell

Died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on March 16, 2013 from complications of renal cancer. Helen was born on December 6, 1926 in Tacoma, WA to Louis and Anna Stoffer. She graduated from Centralia High School in 1944 and from Central Washington University with a degree in education. She married Herbert Yeomans “Bert” Bell Jr. on June 6, 1949 in Ellensburg, WA on the day that he graduated from Central Washington University. Bert and Helen were married for 58 years until his death in 2007.

Helen taught first grade in the Highline School District before staying home to take care of her family. She resumed her teaching career in 1966 at Little Rock Elementary School for 2 years. She then taught kindergarten for two years at South Bay Elementary before transferring to Lacey Elementary where she taught until her retirement in 1987. Helen was a lifelong learner. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles and volunteered for over 20 years with Friends of Tumwater Timberland Library. She enjoyed painting, drawing and other creative pursuits. She loved adventure and traveled extensively with her husband Bert. After he died she continued to travel and went to Hawaii, Peru and Egypt with other members of her family. Many people remember the photo on her Christmas card of her riding a camel.

Helen is survived by her children, Teresa (Robert) Rummel, Christine Bell (Hartmut Walravens), William (Crystal) Bell, Margaret (Chuck) Hill and Herbert Y. Bell III (Tim DeClue). She has seven grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Louis Stoffer of Centralia.

There will be a private interment at Mountain View Cemetery in Centralia and a memorial service at Mills and Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater, at 2:00 pm on Saturday March 23, 2013.

Helen wished for remembrances to be made to Friends of Tumwater Timberland Library.

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Services

  • Memorial Service Saturday, March 23, 2013
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REMEMBERING

Helen Theresa Bell

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Ben Murray

March 31, 2013

I have very fond childhood memories of growing up next to the Bell family in Normandy Park Washington and visiting their home and cabin after they moved to Olympia. I hope your memories serve as comfort to you in your time of grief.

Sue Schmidt

March 25, 2013

I always enjoyed our time together. Helen was always so positive about every thing. What a kind person and I will miss her

JoAnn Green

March 24, 2013

Helen and Bert were such a fun couple and
always participated in Lacey Elementary
events. They were always "young at heart". Many good memories. Truly made the world a better placed for all
the kids.

Helen Scheurich

March 23, 2013

Our Lacey Elementary children were very privileged to have Helen on our staff. The kindergarteners received a great start on their educational careers with Mrs. Bell. We shall always remember her wonderful smile and bubbling personality.

Nancy Lee

March 22, 2013

Hoping that the wonderful memories that your Mom has left you with, keep you smiling always.

March 22, 2013

Dear Bert - I am so sorry. I have been thinking of you alot during this time and pray that you are comforted by knowing your mom is with the Lord.
Stepheena Johnson

Marie

March 21, 2013

Sincere sympathy to the Bell family.Please accept my condolence,may your loving memories sustain you,and may perserering in prayer comfort you,Romans 12:12.

Bert Bell

March 21, 2013

Bert Bell

March 21, 2013

Bert Bell

March 21, 2013

IN THE CARE OF

Mills & Mills Funeral Home
Tumwater, WA
360-357-7743