Lori Leann Bell

Lori Leann Bell was born on April 8, 1960, in Terre Haute, Indiana, and entered her eternal rest on June 29, 2026, in Urbandale, Iowa.

Lori graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1978. She served 10 years in the United States Army, serving deployment to Korea. Lori was an artisan, learning different crafts and making beautiful works of art ranging from hand embroidery and beading to polymer clay, knitting, felt embroidery, quilting, and bag making. Lori is a lifetime member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America and, at one point, owned a business called Dancing Needle, where she created her own patterns and pieces of art for sale.

Lori spent many years of her life supporting Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America with her children, dedicating time to being their troop and pack leader. Lori also served in district and service unit roles to support the other scouts in the area. While serving the youth in her community she became a prominent figure to scouts and leaders alike. Stories of Lori, sitting in a rocking chair, knitting, while the scouts did their activities have been fondly shared.

When she moved to Des Moines, Iowa, Lori settled in and became active participant in knitting groups and later quilting groups like the Central Iowa Modern Quilt Guild.

Lori is survived by her children, Adam Brockett, Kaitlyn Kelly, and Dylan Bell; her parents, Ann and Roman Brockett, Guy and Barbara Johnson; and her brother, Michael. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kathryn and Benjamin Kelly. Lori was preceded in death by her son, Sean.

Service will be held on August 15, 2026, at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310. Visitation will be from 10am to 11am, with the Celebration of Life starting at 11am.

If you are unable to attend Lori's Celebration of Life in person, we invite you to join us through the livestream. The livestream will begin at the start of the visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Simply click the hyperlink below, and you will be taken directly to Lori's Celebration of Life. We hope this provides family and friends, near and far, the opportunity to honor her memory and celebrate the love and joy she brought to so many lives. https://player.vimeo.com/video/1208463823

Special thanks to all those who assisted Lori during her greatest time of need. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Repurpose Rising in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.