Nancy Lee Bell

The precious gift of life was given to Nancy Lee Bell on March 2, 1957, in Rupert, Idaho. She was loving and gratefully welcomed by her parents, Kenneth and Beverly Bell; brother, Mark; and sister, Gayle. In August of 1975, Nancy was no longer the youngest. A sister, Krista Bell Tomaro presently of Albany, Calif., was added to the family.

Nancy was baptized in the name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit on March 24, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rupert, Idaho. Led by The Holy Spirit, Nancy was confirmed in the true faith on April 4, 1971, into life everlasting, which she is now rejoicing in with her Savior, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Her happy childhood years were spent in Rupert where her summers were filled with swimming and participation in little-league softball, enjoying the position of catcher behind the plate. Most Saturdays in the winter months were spent at Pomerelle, enjoying skiing down the slopes with her dad, siblings and friends. She was also blessed with many hours on her grandparents’ small farm, where she could spend time with the farm dogs, cats, chickens and horses as she had a deep love for God’s furry creatures.

Nancy attended kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high school in Rupert, graduating from Minico High School on May 27, 1975. Then it was off to college where she attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash. She graduated with a B.A. degree in Education, with an emphasis in reading, in the spring of 1979.

Nancy’s God-given teaching positions took her to Astoria, Ore., then to North Idaho, where she taught in the Post Falls School District outside of Coeur d’Alene. She taught her beloved kindergarten for 17 years. She loved her students dearly and focused on bringing a quality education with a strong emphasis on reading and art, and developing a strong foundation in the Constitution of the United States of America.

Part of her curriculum included bringing in speakers for presentations (which included full costumes) on the flag, the Constitution, and America’s kindness and generosity. She also taught of America’s great legacy in song by teaching students to sing God Bless America, You’re a Grand Old Flag, America the Beautiful, and The Star Spangled Banner. The Pledge of Allegiance was also taught with clear enunciation of each word.

Nancy was married to Robert Burton in 1986, and she spent many happy vacations at the Oregon Coast with her husband, father and stepmother. After her divorce in 2003, she moved to Nampa, Idaho, to be closer to family.

Nancy believed that her teaching abilities were a gift from God for her to share and she believed and trusted in her Savior, Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and for life everlasting with Him.

To God Be the Glory!

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 2410 Miller Ave., in Burley, Idaho. A live webcast of the service will be available at rasmussenfuneralhome.com.

The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment will be held at the Rupert Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Antelope Creek Assisted Living. The ministry supported and cared for Nancy and continues to support and care for others struggling with mental illness and disabilities. Donations will be accepted by the family at the service or may be mailed to Antelope Creek Assisted Creek Living, c/o Cindy Smith, P.O. Box 909, Moore, ID 83255.