July 17, 1922 — Jan. 2, 2019

Letha Mae Bell, 96, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at home surrounded by loved ones.

She was born on July 17, 1922, in Hayti, Missouri, to the late Robert A. and Minnie M. (Creasy) Meek. Letha married Earl Bell on Nov. 8, 1952, in Dunklin Co., Arkansas. She retired from Simplicity Pattern Co. in 1983 after 29 years.

Letha enjoyed crocheting and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Charles Darnell; daughter, Linda Darnell; first husband, Charles H. Darnell; grandson, Jesse Kelems IV; two brothers and four sisters.

She is survived by her husband, Earl Bell; son, Robert (Carolyn) Darnell; daughter, Charlene (Jess) Kelems; brother, Denver Meek, of Tennessee; sister, Bonnye Coppock, of California, Shirley (Mike) Morgan, of Arkansas; 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking to please make memorial donations to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane St. Joseph, MI, 49085.