Shirley Bell passed away at Pella Hospice Comfort House Sunday, October 29 at 3:40 p.m. Her death ended her long and brave struggle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Bell in 1994. She is survived by her three daughters, Kay Bell of San Diego, California, Lana Bell of Boulder Colorado, and Nan Bell of Knoxville, Iowa. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Sichia and Anton Bell of Boulder, Colorado, and Laura Blankenship of Knoxville, Iowa.

Shirley leaves a legacy of love, strength of character, and many personal gifts and talents that she shared with everyone fortunate enough to be part of her life. She was an inspiration for others in their pursuit of artistry, growth of intellect, and in devotion to assist the well being of humankind. Shirley’s artistic talents in addition to her drafting skills included acclaimed pencil drawings, and paintings. She was an accomplished seamstress, and designed and quilted more than 50 quilts. Most of those gave as gifts to friends and family.

Shirley was born in Granger, Iowa on April 27, 1925, where she grew up with one brother, Richard Baker, and two sisters, Lois and Jean Baker. Following high school graduation she attended Iowa State University to study Mechanical and Architectural Engineering. She was the first female member of the Iowa Engineering Society, and one of the first females to study engineering at Iowa State, and to be selected as a member of Beta Sigma Pi Honors Society.

Shirley was employed in drafting services for many years, beginning her career at Brown Engineering in Des Moines, Iowa Power in Oskaloosa, and for the US Navy while her husband, Jim, was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. Upon return from their service in Alaska, Jim and Shirley spent the rest of their lives with family and friends in Knoxville, Iowa. Shirley was in Jim’s words, the strength and support for his long time career as Mayor and high school Counselor in Knoxville.

Shirley worked in Knoxville in interior design, drafting services for a variety of companies, and for the city assessor’s office. She also devoted much of her time in service to her community. Shirley was involved for years in PEO, and served a term as their President. She held positions on a variety of Boards, such as the Knoxville Library Board, the Community Chest, and the Methodist Church Board. Shirley was on the board of Helping Hands, and worked for that organization as a volunteer for many years, distributing food to those in need.

All who knew Shirley Bell knew her as a gift to her family, her friends, her church and her community. She will always live in the hearts of all who knew her. Many have said that because of Shirley’s kindness and loving nature, their lives were forever brighter.

The Celebration of Life for Shirley Bell will be held at the New Covenant Baptist Church at 1510 Madison Street in Knoxville, Monday November 6, at 11 a.m. Pastor Craig Bex will be conducting the services. It was Shirley’s wish that in lieu of gifts or flowers, that friends and family send contributions to Pella Hospice, addressed in care of Shirley Bell, 1413 Hobart Street, Knoxville, IA 50138. Pella Hospice helped make Shirley’s passing a celebration of life and a wonderful memory for her friends and family.