Marilyn (Lee) Bell

Marilyn Louise Bell was born August 16, 1933, in Naponee, Nebraska, to Floyd and Louise (Houtz) Stewart at the home of her grandparents, William and Irene Houtz. Her father was employed as a hired man at the Kellogg elevator in Madrid, Nebraska. Because of the war, all of the hired men got laid off, so he worked for the W.P.A. until the war was over, and he was offered a job as manager of a grain elevator at Parks and Doane, Nebraska. Her mother was a school teacher in country schools before her marriage.

In 1937, Marilyn's father was transferred to Grainton, Nebraska to manage the grain elevator there. Marilyn attended school in Grainton through 12th grade, graduating in 1950. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, played the piano, and taught Sunday school classes. Her mother was a very talented pianist. She gave piano lessons to many and started teaching Marilyn early.

In 1950, Marilyn married Gene (Corky) Lee, also from Grainton, and to this union, 5 children were born: 3 girls, Linda, Patricia, and Pamela, and 2 boys, Floyd and Roger.

The first 3 years of marriage, they lived south of Grainton, where Corky was a farm hand for his Uncle, Wayne Lee. Later, they moved to Brule, Nebraska, where Corky worked for Skelly Oil Company. Marilyn was active with her family, church, and clubs. To help out with their income, she gave home parties for Tupperware and Better Brush. Also, she sold Christmas and all-occasion cards from her home.

In 1960, they moved with their five children to Commerce City, Colorado, where Corky worked as a mechanic and welder for truck companies.

The family belonged to the United Methodist Church, where they took part in Sunday school classes, singing in the choir, and Youth Fellowship.

Marilyn was a Girl Scout leader for 10 years. Many badges were earned, and many campouts were enjoyed by members of her troop.

Marilyn was a devoted wife and mother and was active in each of her children's activities. When her children required extensive dental work, braces, and jaw surgery, another income was necessary. Marilyn found a job opening in a school cafeteria, where she worked for 2 years.

As the children started graduating from high school and going on to college, it became necessary to find a better-paying job. Going through an agency, she was hired to work at Samsonite Corp., where they made luggage. She worked there for 29 years, retiring with a pension.

After retiring, Marilyn and Corky bought a camper and fishing boat and enjoyed the use of both until Corky was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away at age 73, after 53 years of marriage.

Marilyn spent special time with family, a couple of bus trips and was privileged to babysit a late granddaughter, Laura Lee, born to Marilyn's youngest son, Roger, and his wife, Nancy. With both parents working, Laura was a great companion for several years.

When Laura was in junior high school, Marilyn renewed her friendship with a long-time friend, David (PeeWee) Bell, from North Platte, Nebraska. They were married in 2012, and Marilyn moved to North Platte. Marilyn and PeeWee were married for 10 years.

Marilyn was diagnosed with dementia in 2022, and her family moved her to Colorado to be close to her family. She resided in memory care facilities until her death at the age of 91 on October 31, 2024.

At the time of her death, Marilyn was blessed with 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial has been established in Marilyn's memory for later designation by her family. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Grant United Methodist Church with Pastor Ceciliah Igweta officiating. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery at Grant.

Visitation will be on Thursday, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.