Babe Bell

Mrs. Bell died Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at Village Manor Nursing Home in Ottawa. She was cremated.

She was born May 1, 1924, in Ottawa, the daughter of Elmer and Doris (Dow) Gates. She graduated from Ottawa High School in 1942. She was a lifelong resident of Ottawa, except for living one year in Kansas City, Mo., in 1943.

Mrs. Bell worked for Scott’s Five & Dime Store in Ottawa in 1942. From 1942 to 1986, she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in Ottawa, Lawrence and Topeka. She began as a telephone operator and became clerk of the wire chief and wire chief, one of the first women to attain this position.

She was a member of United Presbyterian Church in Ottawa and a lifetime member of Telephone Pioneers of the Northeast Division, where she did charity work benefiting disabled children. She also did charity work in Kansas City orphanages.

She married Lewis Bell on Aug. 31, 1944, in Coffeyville. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include a daughter, Lewanna Bell-Lloyd, Spring Hill, and two grandchildren.

Friends may call until the service at the mortuary, where family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.

The family suggests memorials to Telephone Pioneers, sent in care of the mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa 66067.

Online condolences may be sent at www.dengelmortuary.com.