Lela Bell

BELL, LELA MAYAge 102, a resident of Albuquerque since 1947, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 22, 2013 after a long, happy and healthy life. Lela was born and grew up on a ranch in Union County, NM. She graduated from Clayton High School in 1928 and attended NM Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM. Lela taught school for ten years in Union County at Thomason, Plainview, Amistad and Des Moines. She married Manuel Bell in Clayton, NM in 1942 and later moved to Albuquerque with Manuel and their three children in 1947. She was active in the Good Sam Tumbleweed Motor Home Club, Bernalillo County Extension Club, and a 4-H Club Leader. Lela was an active member of Baptist Churches in the Albuquerque area for 62 years including Monterey Baptist Church. She and Manuel enjoyed traveling with their dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest McCord. Lela is survived by her three children, Richard Bell, Robert Bell and wife, Sandy, and Patsy Rich and husband, Don; five grandchildren, Kim and husband, Matthew, Dustin and Charity, Dennis and wife, Yvonne, Kelley, and Penni and husband, Jim; five great-grandchildren and her loyal canine companion, Buster. Lela was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Manuel; her parents, Hill and Mary Burrow; brother, Glenn and sisters, Lula and Laura Lee. A Celebration of Lela's Life will be held on Monday, February 25, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH - University, 1111 University Blvd NE with Visitation one hour prior from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, 924 Menaul Blvd NE. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lela's memory to the Monterey Baptist Church Building Fund, 12501 Lomas Blvd NE 87112. Please visit our online guest book for Lela at University Blvd NE505-843-6333