Sherry S. Bell

Sherry Smith Bell, 76, of Geneseo, passed away on December 14, 2019, in her home surrounded by her loved ones.  A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.   A private inurnment for the family will be held at Oakwood Cemetery.  A memorial visitation will be held from 5 - 7 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2019, at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sherry Bell Memorial Fund.  Funds will be given to local charities.   

Sherry was born December 16, 1942, the daughter of George R. Smith and Melba (Bollen) Smith.  She graduated from Geneseo High School in 1960, attended Knox College, and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1964.  She married Alton K. Bell on January 27, 1969, in Enid, OK.  She was active in her beloved sorority, Pi Beta Phi.  Sherry was passionate about Iowa Hawkeye football, Geneseo football, theater, white sand beaches and warm ocean water, baking, shopping, eating dessert first, egg nog, and making friends with strangers while standing in line at a store.  Sherry managed her family farms, was a stay at home mom, active in PTA, La Leche League, and all her children’s school activities.  She offered an open kitchen table, providing a safe and welcoming space to all.  She treasured her family and close friends. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Katharine (Bell) Adams and husband Tim, St. Paul, MN; her son, Michael (Dr. Cindy) Bell, Geneseo; her beloved grandchildren, Calvin and Ethan; her close cousins, Jean (Heeren) Davis and husband, Dave Davis, Santa Barbara, CA, and Judy (Heeren) Baskette and husband Ken Baskette Woodbridge, VA; two nieces, two nephews, and two grand-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melba and George Smith, and her loving husband, Al Bell.