Elizabeth 'Betty' Bell

Elizabeth J. "Betty" Bell, 79, died Monday, May 1, 2006, at her home in Libby.

A resident of Libby since 1962, she had been a longtime employee of Lincoln County until her retirement. Betty was born in Elgin, N.D., to Ray Bell and Esta Zeller Bell on Sept. 15, 1926. The family had resided in several locations during her childhood before coming to the Mission Valley area of northwest Montana where she graduated from Ronan High School in 1945.

Betty had resided in Missoula before coming to Libby, where she had been a resident for the past 44 years. She had worked in the offices of the Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder until her retirement.

She had been a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Libby for many years, fulfilling numerous positions in the church including Sunday School teacher, Bible Study leader, alter guild, LWML, as well as the church bell choir. Her life of faith and service to the church was a great and meaningful part of her life.

Betty enjoyed the outdoors, especially working in her yard, and the wildlife of Montana. She was also known for her beautiful handwork, crocheting many handcrafted items for friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her father as well as her mother and step-father, Esta and Clyde Pendergraft, and step-brother, Bill Pendergraft.

She is survived by her children: Shirley Lockard and husband Larry of Bigfork, Bonnie Stonehocker-Pink of Libby, and Robert Stonehocker and wife Lorri of Spokane, Wash.; a brother, Floyd Bell, of Ronan and a sister, Esta Owen, of Stevensville; and a step-sister, Peg Stonehocker of Thompson Falls; her grandchildren, Melanie, Rachel, Natalie, Elizabeth, Deborah, Frederick, Matthew, Nicholas and Jessica; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Eric Christiansen officiating. Interment services will follow at the City of Libby Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Nelson and Vial Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church.