Carla J. Bell of Springfield passed away on Friday, July 22, 2016. 

She was born December 9, 1934 in Rushville and raised in Rochester, IL. 

Her parents, Bernice and Martin Schulz preceded her in death, as did her husband, Donald H. Bell. 

She is survived by a daughter Karen Ashcraft of Ft. Myers, FL and sons Terry Kyes and Gregg (wife, Mary) Kyes of Springfield.  She is also survived by grandsons Alex and Daniel Kyes, whom she adored.

Carla (aka MaBell) had many friends and was always willing to help in whatever manner she could.  Sometimes that meant getting some opinions you may not agree with, but her heart was always in the right place.  Those that knew her are certainly familiar with some of her favorite sayings such as “Grandchildren are your reward for not killing your own”, “I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in.”, “What part of “No’ don’t you understand.” and “Twould had been better had I said nothing”.  Of course all stated in a fun-loving manner.  She loved conversation and would always welcome being with friends and family for dinner and drinks.  She loved reading and was obnoxiously good at any trivia game (other than sports) you wanted to play.  Her grandchildren had to explain to their Kindergarten teachers that they knew the value of coins so well from playing poker with their Grandma Bell.  She was generous, kind and caring and will be missed by all.  It gives comfort knowing that she is being greeted by B, Da, Don, Carl, Ellen, Bernie, Donny, Homer and so many others that went before her.

In keeping with her wishes, the service will be brief followed by a cold beverage in her honor at a local establishment.  When she said she would come back and haunt if her wishes were not met, you’d tend to believe her, so here is what we are doing.  Graveside services will be held at Mottarville Cemetery in Rochester, IL at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 25, 2016. A procession will gather at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester and will depart for the cemetery at 10:30– (and will include passing the infamous intersection of Possum Trot and Chicken Bristle Roads).  Attire for the service is comfortable and casual.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Barb, Amy, Angela and Jacci for their care and friendship – it is truly appreciated. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a kid a toy or doing something for someone in need.

 Service Information