OBITUARY

Laura Rosalie Bell of Washington, MO departed this life in Washington, MO on Saturday, December 20, 2025, having reached the age of ninety-two years, eleven months and twenty-five days. Laura was born in Villa Ridge, MO on December 26, 1932, daughter of Oscar Cleveland Bell, known to most as “Hawk”, and Olga Mary Bell nee Schmitz.

Laura is survived by her nieces, Elaine Fehr and husband, Walt, of Mundelein, IL, Millicent Harris of Union, MO and Laurie Reed of Washington, MO; by her nephew, Stephen Bell and wife, Joyce, of Villa Ridge, MO; by great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Hawk and Olga Bell; by her sisters, Mildred Harris, Evelyn Walters, Dorothy Reed and Carol Jean “Carrie” Bell; and by her brothers, Douglas Bell, Donald Bell and infant brother Bell.

Laura was a Christian and member of Zion Oakfield UCC Church in Pacific, MO. She graduated from Washington High School in 1950 and Southwest Missouri State University in 1956. After graduating from college, she taught in Springfield, MO and Belton, MO. Laura also spent some time working for Hallmark Cards before she was critically injured in an automobile accident in 1966. After months of rehabilitation, she moved back to the area to begin teaching for the Union R-11 School District for twenty-five years. She enjoyed doing embroidery but caring for her mother and her sister, who had Down Syndrome, was her primary focus. Although she had no children of her own, she loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. The love they shared and many precious memories they created together will be cherished by them all forever.

A kind and loving aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held from 9:15 to 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Raymond Laramore officiating. Interment will be in Bethel Cemetery in Labadie, MO. Memorials may be made to Union R-11 School District Foundation.