Mary Jane (Booth) Bell was born to James William Booth and Mary Louise (Beck) Booth on March 30, 1943, on her grandparent’s farm in Clarks, Nebraska. She passed away March 22, 2024, at Mercy One Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.
Mary Jane grew up in Clarks, Nebraska and graduated from Clarks High School in 1961.
She attended the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) where she met her future husband, Frank Bell. They married August 24, 1964, in Belen, New Mexico. They moved to Guam when Frank was stationed at the Guam Naval Hospital. Mary Jane worked as a Guam public school teacher for two years. When Frank was transferred to a ship, Mary Jane returned to finish her teaching degree at the University of Nebraska in 1968.
She taught science in multiple public schools in Nebraska, retiring from teaching in Lyons, Nebraska in 2008. Her love of teaching was evident as she challenged the students to fulfill their dreams.
Upon retirement she loved helping at the Lyons Public Library.
She used her creative talents in photography, knitting, sewing and quilting and generously shared her completed projects with everyone. She and Frank attended many family events, sporting events and holidays with Mary Jane sharing her photos with all.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bill Booth and nephews Andy Pollard and Matt Booth.
Survivors include husband, Frank Bell of Lyons; sister, Loretta (Rod) Pollard of Clarks; sister-in-law, Eileen Booth of Central City; sisters-in law: Pam (Rich) Kuper of Papillion, Jere (Dave) Gravatt of Brock; brothers-in-law: Chuck (Kathleen) Griffith of Central City, Jim (Livia) Griffith of Staunton, VA; aunt, Margaret Zumbrunn of Littleton, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews. Everyone was thrilled when Uncle Frank and Aunt Janie came to visit.
We treasure our memories of Mary Jane who was dearly loved by all and will continue to live in our hearts forever.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held at a later date.
