Norma Jean Bell, 91

Norma Jean Bell, 91, was born in Owasso, Okla., on Oct. 20, 1932, to John and Bonnie (Ventura) Smith. She passed away peacefully July 19, 2024, in Spirit Lake, Idaho. She had been under the care of the most beautiful angels on earth at Grace Mountain Care Home. 

Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Chuck Bell; her nine siblings; her granddaughter, Jessica Mae; and many other loved ones. She is survived by her children: Charles (Shawn), Debora (Jim), Gary (Evie), Michele (Todd); grandchildren Charley, Luke, Nelly, Emily, Billy, Kris, Keith, Gary, Jimmy, Brandon, Megan, Shelby; great-grandchildren Kaili, Blaise, Olivia, Dillon, Conor, Jake, Elly, Buck, Marshal, Jesse, Jade, Pele, Aron, Dillon, Cendell, Coel, Nora, James, Emma, Charles, Milaina, Bobbie Jo and Naomi. 

Norma grew up in Oklahoma until she was a young teen when her family moved to Richmond, Calif. She graduated from high school in Modesto, Calif. Norma met the love of her life, Charles Herbert Bell, in Lodi, Calif., at a dance when her older sister told her, “Look at the one with the eyes.” He was playing guitar on stage. Chuck and Norma wed Sept. 3, 1950 in Reno, Nev. 

She worked for a telephone company, clinical laboratory and multiple hospitals. Always a hardworking woman, her family and music were her true passions. Chuck and Norma started a family band, “The Bell Family,” winning the Auburn State Fair Country Western competition in 1968. In 1972, Chuck and Norma moved to Athol, Idaho. Traveling all over the Northwest and Canada, the Bells played music, always with one of their four children as the drummer. Chuck and Norma were awarded a place in the Western Swing Music Hall of Fame in the early 1980s. 

In 1982, Chuck and Norma bought a little piece of heaven known as Trestle Creek. The best garden full of fruits and veggies, the most beautiful flowers perfectly placed by Norma and a beautiful creek running in the backyard full of fish and kids that “accidentally” fell in. Trestle Creek was an unforgettable gathering place for family and friends alike. 

Norma played bass and had the voice of an angel. With Chuck by her side, they were a renowned musical act all around the area. With music running thick in the blood, Norma made sure all the kids, grandkids and any other little kids around knew how to play a couple tunes and or sing “The Little Green Valley.” Her legacy of music and love lives on with all of us. Norma Jean Bell will be truly missed, but many wonderful memories will live on forever.

A viewing/visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID, with the funeral service at 2 p.m. The graveside will follow the funeral at Mountain View Cemetery in Athol, Idaho. Please visit Norma’s online guestbook and sign her memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.