Betty Jean Bell

Betty Jean Bell lost a short battle with cancer and began life everlasting on March 7.

Betty has joined her husband, Bob Bell; mother, Raechel; sister, Yvonne; father, Roy Strong; and grandson, Gareth Jones, in the bosom of the Father.

Born in Sunrise, Wyo., Aug. 13, 1928, Betty grew up in that small town, then moved with her family to Roseburg, Ore., where she met her husband. Bob had served in the Navy in WWII and was recalled to serve in the Korean War. While Bob was out to sea Betty united with her parents in Anchorage in 1951, where Betty and Bob settled and raised their four children.

Family and friends recall her warm heart and open house. Always quick to entertain or comfort, there was always a steady stream of people who needed a meal, shelter or good company and all were in good supply at Betty’s and Bob’s home.

The family built a cabin on Big Lake in 1964, and “the cabin” became the source of years of joy for the family and friends alike. Betty worked at Alaska Native Service Hospital in the 1960’s and was on duty during the Good Friday Earthquake. She later retired from Humana Hospital.

Betty was diagnosed with COPD in 1996, and her daughter, Cozette was her final care giver as Betty had been the final care giver for her father. Gammy, as she was known to many, was blessed with 14 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and is survived by her brother, Leroy Strong; sister, Patricia Zemek; daughters, Linda Eddie, Pamela Jones and Cozette Karella; and son, Robert Bell.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Angelus Memorial Park, 440 East Klatt Road in Anchorage, on July 24, 2009, at 3 p.m.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel of Wasilla.