Ellen Merlene (Waite) Bell
Ellen Merlene Bell, a resident of Colorado Springs for 41 years, passed away January 28, 2013.
Merlene was born January 18, 1944 in Portsmouth, VA to LeRoy Waite and Doris Lee (Cartwright) Waite. She grew up in Virginia with her sister, Shirley Ann Waite. She graduated valedictorian of Craddock High School in 1962 then attended Brigham Young University for two years.
On January 23, 1965, Merlene married Glenn C. Bell. They had five children. Merlene worked for Widefield School District 3 as an Educational Assistant/Librarian, but for Merlene, her most important job was a mother and grandmother.
Merlene enjoyed taking care of and playing with her family, playing games, traveling, and mostly seeing her grandchildren. Merlene leaves a legacy of love and service to all who knew her. She personifies what a mother and grandmother should be. Her greatest joy was her seven very special grandchildren.
Merlene was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings.
Merlene is survived by her children: Dana Bell of Colorado Springs; Glenn Bell (Kimberly) of California; Douglas Bell (Jane) of Alaska; Cheryl Mauck of Colorado Springs; Stephen Bell (Ruth) of Texas; grandchildren – John (“Jem”) and McKenna Mauck, Scott, Nicole, Vanessa, Anna, and Sarah Bell; and her “loving” guardian, Thomas, her cat.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 1, 2013 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Putnam Chapel, 325 Putnam Drive, Widefield, 80911, preceded by visitation with the family from 9:20-9:50 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to Angel Paw Fund, Cheyenne Mountain Animal Hospital, 1718 S. 8th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.