Sterling wife, genuine loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Member of several bridge clubs, former avid square dancer, loyal church member of First Presbyterian Church of Plano and extraordinary clerical library supervisor.
Leona Jean Bell of Plano, Texas passed away June 24, 2022 at the age of 91. She was born on August 3, 1930 to Benjamin Hansmeier and Elizabeth (Stock) Hansmeier. Leona married the late Kenneth A. Bell on March 10th, 1953 in Corpus Christi, Texas enjoying nearly 58 years of marriage before his passing in 2011. She is survived by her son, Kenneth A. Bell and wife, Anne of Garland, Texas; daughter, Kathy Bridges and husband, Gary of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren, Katerina, Jennifer, Jessica, Crystal, Steven, Tobin, Leslie and Mark; great-grandchildren, Camron, Deric, Everly, Savannah, Westyn, Logan, Kira, Kasen, Ian, Kylee, Randi, and Maci; many nieces and nephews; and a host of loving family and friends.
Leona was preceded in death by her husband Ken Bell; son Steven Bell; parents; Benjamin and Elizabeth Hansmeier; brothers, Ralph Hansmeier, Harvey Hansmeier, and Marvin Hansmeier; and sister, Ruth Nolting.
Leona was born in Waukon, Iowa and her mother died when she was 3 years old. She grew up on a farm outside of town with wonderful memories of the simple farm life. Thrashing days with neighbors helping neighbors while Leona rode in the wagon with bales of wheat to the fields and back, riding her slow as molasses horse to school, ice skating in the winter on the farm pond and numerous family reunions.
Leona’s sister, Ruth put a wishbone on top of the kitchen door hoping for a girl which she had the pleasure of naming, Leona. Leona’s dad, being of German descent, called her “lick-a-Pupp”, (little girl), later shortening it to “Pupp”meaning girl.
Leona attended school in Waukon, Iowa where she won the spelling bee contest 4 years in a row giving her eligibility to compete in the County spelling bee contest. She was also a member of the girl’s high school pep squad.
Leona married Ken Bell and settled for a short period in Corpus Christi, Texas before settling in Plano, Texas for the duration of their lives, raising three children.
Leona initially worked for the local bank and volunteered at the cafeteria in the kids’ school before moving onto working at the Plano Library. Leona participated in the opening of the new Harrington Public Library in Plano and later transferred to the new Schimelpfenig Library where she retired in 1992 after 23 years of service to the City of Plano, Texas. Leona’s husband, Ken was transferred by Rockwell International to Tehran, Iran from 1975 – 1977 during the Reign of the Shaw of Iran and was accompanied by Le and Kathy. It was an experience of a lifetime.
Leona loved to travel and learn about her German roots but most of all what was important, and her pride and joy was spending time with her family. She loved her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids staying connected with all even with her technology challenges.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 8th, 2022 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live-streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Leona’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/leona-jean-hansmeier-bell. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Ridgeview Memorial Park between her husband and son.
Immediately after the graveside service, a reception will be held at the funeral home.
The family will receive family and friends during visitation on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Morrow Funeral Home.