Pat Alice (Miller) Bell

Pat Miller Bell, 88, passed away January 2, 2022 in Albuquerque, NM. She was born March 3, 1933 to Edver and Faye Miller in Columbia, SD. The Great Depression brought many economic challenges, and at age 18 months, her Uncle John and Aunt Wilma Levsen of Doland, SD became her guardians.

After graduation from Doland High School, Pat attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where she earned a Bachelor's degree in English. While attending USD she was an active member of Alpha Phi Sorority.

After graduation from USD, Pat married her high school sweetheart Jim Bell, also of Doland, SD. They moved to Rapid City, SD where Pat taught at Central High School while Jim was completing his Civil Engineering degree at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

Pat and Jim resided in Rapid City for over 30 years. Pat was the glue that held her family together running the household, raising 3 children and coordinating their sports, music, clubs and social activities. During this time the family enjoyed summer weekends boating, fishing, and water skiing at Angostura Reservoir. Pat had a strong Christian faith and was active in the Methodist church including Methodist Women, bell choir, and other church committees.

After Jim's retirement they enjoyed spending time at their lake cabin as well as RV trips to fish at Lake Oahe. In 1991 they moved to Corpus Christi, TX where they lived close to the beach. Throughout retirement Pat enjoyed hobbies such as photography, making handmade cards to celebrate special occasions for family and friends, crafting, walks on the beach, and collecting seashells.

For the past 15 years Pat and Jim resided in Albuquerque. Pat had a spunk that brought fun and laughter to the lives of those who knew her. One of her favorite activities was going to the Fifty 'N Fit gym for exercise, friendship, and afterwards for coffee. She was a 40 year member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) and remained active in a local chapter until 2019.

Pat is survived by her children: Lynn Bell (Nancy) of Omaha, NE, Nila Britzius (Rick) of Marietta, GA, and Sue Smith of Albuquerque, NM; 6 grandchildren: Doug Bell, Erica Bell, Brianne Britzius (Ryan) Denley, Ben (Jenna) Britzius, Natalie Smith, and Stephanie Smith; Siblings: brother Ken Miller (Carol) of Aberdeen, SD, brother Art Miller of Boulder City, NV, and sister-in-law, Joanne (Ron) Lyren Aberdeen, SD.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Jim (August 16, 2021), her parents, her guardians, brother Maurice Miller, and sisters Wanda Edwards and Bonnie Wiest.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made to the P.E.O. Foundation #7492 Boyd Scholarship Fund, c/o Sue Smith, 5900 Mimosa Pl. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations.