Joneta Bell's Obituary
Joneta "Jonnie" Bell, 90, of Ames, Iowa, passed away at Mary Greeley Medical Center on May 3, 2021. A private family graveside service will be held at the Ames Municipal Cemetery in Ames with Father Don Czapla officiating. Joneta Carolyn Wheelock was born on November 18, 1930 in Ames, Iowa to John and Gertrude (Christopher) Wheelock. She was the youngest of seven daughters and a 1948 graduate of Ames High School. Jonnie married her high school sweetheart, Melvin D. Bell, on August 27, 1948 in Ames, Iowa. The two made their lives in Ames and from their union, had eight children: Tom, Suanne, Pam, Jacque, Mark, Jim, Larry and Danny. Jonnie's full-time job was wrangling those eight children and she loved every second. She was an outstanding mother and attended sporting and social events the children were involved in and supported them in their endeavors. Jonnie was a patient and strong woman that found the good in every situation and wanted to take care of everyone. She was an avid seamstress and could fix or alter anything. Jonnie enjoyed sewing, reading, crossword puzzles and most of all, dancing. Melvin and Jonnie were known to "cut a rug" once in awhile; taking joy in each other's company. In retirement, they traveled winters in their RV to the southwest. Left to cherish Jonnie's memory are her husband of 72 years, Melvin D. Bell of Ames; children, Tom (JoAnn) Bell of Story City, Suanne Smith of Eagle Grove, Pam Hanks (Dennis) of Cambridge, Jacque Bell of Ames, Larry Bell of Ames and Danny Bell of Ames; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and numerous friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Gertrude Wheelock, sisters: Isabelle (John) Crosby, Bernadine (Jim) McDonald, Elizabeth (Edward) Clark, Gertrude (John) Fitzgerald, Barbara (Earl) Askelson, and Patricia (Jim) Beach; sons, Mark Bell and Jim Bell; grandchildren, Tom Bell Jr. and Mike Hanks; son-in-law, Gary Smith; and daughter-in-law, Kelly Bell. Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.
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