Evelyn Elizabeth (Caruthers) Bell

Evelyn Elizabeth Bell was born Aug. 27, 1932, on a farm southwest of Appleton City, Mo. She was the second and youngest daughter of Albert Raymond and Susie Mattie (Medearis) Caruthers. She had one sister, Jewell Mynatte McKinney. In 1934, her family moved to a farm a few miles southeast of Schell City, Mo., where she attended Prairie Valley School for eight years and then attended high school at Schell City from September 1945 until her graduation in May 1949.

It was in high school that she met her future husband, Joe Alden Bell. Following graduation, they were married on March 11, 1950, at the home of her parents, and moved to a farm about a mile north of her home. Their entire married lives were spent on the same farm. Their home was blessed with four children, Steve, Sheryl, Kent, and Kevin.

At the age of 10, Evelyn accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and a few years later she and her husband, Joe, were baptized and joined the First Baptist Church of Schell City, where they attended as long as their health allowed.

From Dec. 10, 1980, until Feb. 23, 2001, Evelyn worked as a Postmaster Relief at the Schell City Post Office. Her hobbies included sewing and cooking, gardening and canning, and babysitting her grandchildren. Evelyn was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family members were the most important people in her life. She had a servant's heart and wanted everybody to know the Jesus that she loved and served. She especially enjoyed working with children in Sunday school, Training Union, and Bible Drill.

Her parents and sister, Jewell McKinney, preceded her in death.

Those of her immediate family who remain are her husband, Joe; and children, Steve Bell, Kenneth and Sheryl Hallam, Kent and Joann Bell, Devin and Kelly Bell, and Mary Ann Bell. She leaves behind grandchildren, Mike and Amy Shirrell, Brad and LouAnn Majors, Tristan and Linda Hallam, Kendra Hallam, Alysia Bell, Eddie and Ashley Long, Caleb and Jacob Bell, and Toni and Tiffani Hallam; seven great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Anne and Noah Michael Shirrell, Madyson JaiAnne and Mason Robert Majors, Kalie Jo and Braxton Ray Hallam, and Easton Michael Long; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Evelyn Elizabeth Bell were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, at the First Baptist Church, in Schell City, with the Revs. Terry Mosher, Doug Reynolds, and Kent Bell officiating. Musical selections were provided by Amy Shirrell, Elizabeth Shirrell, Paula Gray, and Kelly and Jacob Bell. Pallbearers were Tristan Hallam, Caleb Bell, Jacob Bell, Mike Shirrell, Brad Majors, and Eddie Long. Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Reed, Chris Crocker, Jim Goodman, Paul Palmer, Charles Foreman, Ervin Neal Goodman, David Maus, Mike Newman, and Larry Dade. Interment was in the Green Mound Cemetery in Harwood, Mo. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church, Schell City.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City.