Marianna Bell

Marianna Vanderslice Bell, age 67, passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

Her funeral service will be held Friday, October 15 at 10:00 am at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 USS 277 S. in Abilene, TX. A graveside service will follow immediately afterward at Elmwood Memorial Garden.

Marianna was born on July 25, 1954 in Anson, Texas to A.W. (Bob) and Dorothy (Dot) Luck Vanderslice. After the death of her brother, Kent, who died at age 8 of leukemia, they moved to Plainview, Texas where they became close friends with other families from the 9th & Columbia St. Church of Christ. She was a member of the Plainview High School class of 1973, and stayed in contact with a number of her school and church friends through the years. She was a good and well-practiced babysitter who taught her sister, Jean, how to babysit. She was also a volunteer candy-striper (nurse helper) at the local hospital. She helped in the care of her parents who both died early of cancer.

Marianna went on several mission trips, including summer VBS trips to Yankton, South Dakota, and a VBS trip to London, England.

After a year at Lubbock Christian College, Marianna began her career of office work, working the longest at Abilene Regional Medical Center and Lone Star Transportation, where she was much appreciated by her co-workers for her well-executed duties and support.

Marianna married Kevin Bell of Abilene in 1993, and they lived most of their married life in Abilene, and the last 12 in Saginaw and Azle, Texas.

Despite many losses early in life-her brother when she was 4, her father when she was 17, and her mother when she was 32, she had a very positive attitude. She loved visiting with people. She enjoyed animals of many kinds, especially dogs and the horse they had for a short time growing up. She also loved flowers and butterflies. Hobbies also included playing indoor darts, cooking, hooking rugs, and walking.

Marianna is survived by her husband, Kevin; her sister, Jean Campbell and husband Robert; Mother-in law, Marletta Green; father-in-law, LeRoy Bell and wife Debra; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jennifer Bryan and David and Allison Bell; plus several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of your choice.