Marie Collette Bell

West Des Moines

Marie Collette Bell, 90, entered into eternal life on Monday, May 30, 2016 at Wesley Acres in Des Moines. A Rosary Service will be held at 10 a.m Friday, June 3, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will take place Monday, June 6, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.

Marie was born March 20, 1926 in Willey, IA to Henry and Laura (Grote) Oswald. She was raised on a farm near Willey, along with her nine sisters and brothers. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church and school in Willey. Marie was married to Max J. Bell on February 27, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Carroll, IA. They resided in Carroll for 33 years, where they raised their six children. Marie was an accomplished cook, baker and seamstress. Marie also planted a large garden (always a farm girl) every year and canned the bounty it provided. Marie enjoyed camping trips, family reunions and barbeques at Swan Lake State Park. She and Max enjoyed getting together with their wonderful circle of friends and Marie was a generous, caring neighbor also. Marie’s faith was an important part of her life. She was active at St. Joseph Church and later Holy Spirit Catholic Church. She was a staunch supporter of Catholic education for her children and attended all events and activities that they were involved in. In 1981, Marie and Max relocated to West Des Moines, IA, after Max’s retirement to be closer to their children and their families. The following years were full of grandchildren’s activities, wonderful holiday celebrations and enjoyable visits on their peaceful patio. Once again Marie joined in the activities of the Women’s Guild at Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines. She continued serving where she could until she moved to Wesley Acres Care Center in 2009.

Marie is survived by her children, Jeani (Frank) Golwitzer, Jim (Amy) Bell, Jerry Bell, Jacqui (Mark) Essy, and Julie (Joe Finn) Yungclas; grandchildren, Judi (Chris) Johnson, Beau (Sue) Golwitzer, Holly (Nate) Gregg, Lacey (Danny) Pica, Erin (Jimmy) Essy-Proehl, Joe Essy, Eden (A.J. Kayser) Essy, Sam Yungclas and Jack Yungclas; great-grandchildren, Skyler, Shiloh, Sidney, Micah, Grace and Jemma Johnson, Maya Gregg, and Eli, Jake and Meadow White; sister, Agnes Louis; brothers, Andrew (Iris) and Dick (Emily) Oswald; sister-in-law, Marlene Oswald; and many special nieces, nephews and friends. Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Max Bell; son, Jeff Bell; parents; sisters, Genevieve and Angela Nees and Leona Seidl; brothers, Eugene, John and Walter Oswald; sisters-in-law, Darlene and Phyllis Oswald; and brothers-in-law, Bob Louis, Leon and Frank Nees and John Seidl.

Marie’s family extends sincere gratitude to the staff at Wesley Acres especially Jackie, Ronda, Krista, David, Masau, Ashley, the Emily’s and Dr. Garner and everyone who touched her life in your caring ways. God bless you.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to her family to be disbursed among her favorite charities or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Rest in peace, dear one.

Online condolences may be made at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com.