Betty Jean Bell

In Loving Memory of Betty Jean Bell

October 23, 1939 – October 2, 2025

Betty Jean Bell, 85, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, at Story Point of Urbandale.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Merle Hay Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will follow on Thursday, October 9, at 11:00 a.m. at Merle Hay Chapel, with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Gardens.

Born on October 23, 1939, in Urbandale, Iowa, to James and Sedall (Wicks) Sapp, Betty was raised and educated in her hometown and proudly graduated from Urbandale High School in 1958.

On March 1, 1968, Betty married Donald R. Bell, and together they made their home in Des Moines, Iowa, where they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and family. She was blessed with two daughters, Pam and Martha, and also gained a stepdaughter Marna and stepson Kurt.

Betty found great joy in the simple and meaningful parts of life. She loved gardening, iced coffee, and cooking for holiday gatherings, and she was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, she especially enjoyed making lefse — a family favorite that became a cherished tradition.

She worked for many years in the Garden Center at Kmart, where her warmth, humor, and helpful nature left a lasting impression on both coworkers and customers.

Betty is survived by her daughters Pam Bell of Altoona and Martha Vandeventer of Texas; stepdaughter Marna Falcone of Des Moines; stepson Kurt Bell of Ohio; 14 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and many other loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Bell, her parents James and Sedall Sapp, her grandson Blake Johnson and stepdaughter Sabra Hess.

Memorial contributions may be made to her daughter, Pam Bell, to be used at her discretion.

Betty’s life was defined by love, kindness, and dedication to her family. Her gentle spirit and joyful heart will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.