Obituary provided by
LOCUST GROVE FUNERAL HOME
Mary Elizabeth "Ma" (Foreman) Bell was born March 18, 1944, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Hillard Steve Foreman and Virginia Euletta (Bunnell) Foreman. She went home to heaven on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the age of 77 years, 6 months, and 28 days.
Mary attended Locust Grove public schools all of her life, graduating Locust Grove High School with the class of 1962. She married Steven Darrell Bell on May 28, 1959, in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they raised four children: Stephanie, Sonya, Stephen, and Scott. Steve preceded Mary in death on December 3, 2017. The couple had been married for over 58 years. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Locust Grove.
At the age of 31, Mary returned to school, attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. She graduated in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in English. In the fall of that year, she began teaching for Locust Grove public schools. She continued studies at NSU receiving her master's degree in 1989. Over the years, Mrs. Bell became affectionately known as "Ma Bell". Always looking to improve teaching methods, during the early 2000's, she was instrumental in implementing "Learning Styles" at Locust Grove schools. After teaching, inspiring, and encouraging thousands of students for 32 years, she retired in 2010. Many students share that they would not have passed college humanities if they would not have learned so much in her class.
Ma was quite the sports enthusiast and a big fan of ALL things Locust Grove Pirates. From football to basketball to baseball to softball and even golf. However, everyone knew that her favorite sport was wrestling. She hauled her sons, along with countless others, all over the area to tournaments and matches. She spent countless hours in gymnasiums encouraging each and every one of her Pirates. There was not a single wrestler that would not hear Ma Bell's coaching and technique advice across the gym. Her words to you would often include her mantra, "Who loves ya, Baby?"
Ma also had an enjoyment for horse racing and had even written a poem about Secretariat. Although teaching was her calling, Ma had many talents and hobbies that included embroidery, crochet, painting, gardening, and quilting, just to name a few. As well, she has written many poems throughout the years. She also made quilts for all of her children and grandchildren. She gave 100% to each project and never did anything halfway. However, her greatest gift was her capacity to love all.
Though Ma loved her students and wrestlers, she loved her children and grandchildren above all. She encouraged and supported them in all their life's endeavors and adventures. She enjoyed every minute spent with them and cherished them above all else. Ma Bell will be forever missed by all that knew and loved her.
Ma is survived by: 4 children: Stephanie Anderson of Peggs, Sonya Bell of Locust Grove, Stephen Bell and wife Tammi of Pryor, and Scott Bell of Oceanside, California; 7 grandchildren: Brooke Anderson of Tahlequah, Chase Anderson of Peggs, Britni Johnson and husband Tyler of Coweta, Jodi Hornsby and husband Joel of Tulsa, Jaymee Hess and husband Derek of Foreman, Arkansas, Spencer Bell of Carlsbad, California, and Paris Bell of Oceanside, California; 7 great grandchildren; 1 brother and sister-in-law: Hillard Steve Foreman Jr and wife Christine of Leumeah, Australia; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law: Milena and Dennis Weston of Salina and Sue and Granvil Bates of Tulsa; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends that loved her dearly including the staff at the Cherokee County Nursing Center who loved and cared for her during her final transition. She had many "favorites". Their loving care is greatly appreciated by the family.
Ma was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; 1 brother: Frank Rhae Foreman; in-laws: Waite and Ruby Bell; and 1 son-in-law: Brian Anderson.
Mask are requested by the family for funeral services that will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, October 25, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Sister Edna Kiddy, Brother Shawn Bates, and Ma's son, Stephen Bell, will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date in the Hogan Cemetery, next to her beloved husband, Steve. Funeral and cremation services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home.https://www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Mary-Ma-Bell?obId=22686270#/celebrationWall
LOCUST GROVE FUNERAL HOME
Mary Elizabeth "Ma" (Foreman) Bell was born March 18, 1944, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Hillard Steve Foreman and Virginia Euletta (Bunnell) Foreman. She went home to heaven on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the age of 77 years, 6 months, and 28 days.
Mary attended Locust Grove public schools all of her life, graduating Locust Grove High School with the class of 1962. She married Steven Darrell Bell on May 28, 1959, in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they raised four children: Stephanie, Sonya, Stephen, and Scott. Steve preceded Mary in death on December 3, 2017. The couple had been married for over 58 years. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Locust Grove.
At the age of 31, Mary returned to school, attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. She graduated in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in English. In the fall of that year, she began teaching for Locust Grove public schools. She continued studies at NSU receiving her master's degree in 1989. Over the years, Mrs. Bell became affectionately known as "Ma Bell". Always looking to improve teaching methods, during the early 2000's, she was instrumental in implementing "Learning Styles" at Locust Grove schools. After teaching, inspiring, and encouraging thousands of students for 32 years, she retired in 2010. Many students share that they would not have passed college humanities if they would not have learned so much in her class.
Ma was quite the sports enthusiast and a big fan of ALL things Locust Grove Pirates. From football to basketball to baseball to softball and even golf. However, everyone knew that her favorite sport was wrestling. She hauled her sons, along with countless others, all over the area to tournaments and matches. She spent countless hours in gymnasiums encouraging each and every one of her Pirates. There was not a single wrestler that would not hear Ma Bell's coaching and technique advice across the gym. Her words to you would often include her mantra, "Who loves ya, Baby?"
Ma also had an enjoyment for horse racing and had even written a poem about Secretariat. Although teaching was her calling, Ma had many talents and hobbies that included embroidery, crochet, painting, gardening, and quilting, just to name a few. As well, she has written many poems throughout the years. She also made quilts for all of her children and grandchildren. She gave 100% to each project and never did anything halfway. However, her greatest gift was her capacity to love all.
Though Ma loved her students and wrestlers, she loved her children and grandchildren above all. She encouraged and supported them in all their life's endeavors and adventures. She enjoyed every minute spent with them and cherished them above all else. Ma Bell will be forever missed by all that knew and loved her.
Ma is survived by: 4 children: Stephanie Anderson of Peggs, Sonya Bell of Locust Grove, Stephen Bell and wife Tammi of Pryor, and Scott Bell of Oceanside, California; 7 grandchildren: Brooke Anderson of Tahlequah, Chase Anderson of Peggs, Britni Johnson and husband Tyler of Coweta, Jodi Hornsby and husband Joel of Tulsa, Jaymee Hess and husband Derek of Foreman, Arkansas, Spencer Bell of Carlsbad, California, and Paris Bell of Oceanside, California; 7 great grandchildren; 1 brother and sister-in-law: Hillard Steve Foreman Jr and wife Christine of Leumeah, Australia; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law: Milena and Dennis Weston of Salina and Sue and Granvil Bates of Tulsa; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends that loved her dearly including the staff at the Cherokee County Nursing Center who loved and cared for her during her final transition. She had many "favorites". Their loving care is greatly appreciated by the family.
Ma was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; 1 brother: Frank Rhae Foreman; in-laws: Waite and Ruby Bell; and 1 son-in-law: Brian Anderson.
Mask are requested by the family for funeral services that will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, October 25, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Sister Edna Kiddy, Brother Shawn Bates, and Ma's son, Stephen Bell, will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date in the Hogan Cemetery, next to her beloved husband, Steve. Funeral and cremation services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home.https://www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Mary-Ma-Bell?obId=22686270#/celebrationWall
Obituary provided by
LOCUST GROVE FUNERAL HOME
Mary Elizabeth "Ma" (Foreman) Bell was born March 18, 1944, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Hillard Steve Foreman and Virginia Euletta (Bunnell) Foreman. She went home to heaven on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the age of 77 years, 6 months, and 28 days.
Mary attended Locust Grove public schools all of her life, graduating Locust Grove High School with the class of 1962. She married Steven Darrell Bell on May 28, 1959, in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they raised four children: Stephanie, Sonya, Stephen, and Scott. Steve preceded Mary in death on December 3, 2017. The couple had been married for over 58 years. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Locust Grove.
At the age of 31, Mary returned to school, attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. She graduated in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in English. In the fall of that year, she began teaching for Locust Grove public schools. She continued studies at NSU receiving her master's degree in 1989. Over the years, Mrs. Bell became affectionately known as "Ma Bell". Always looking to improve teaching methods, during the early 2000's, she was instrumental in implementing "Learning Styles" at Locust Grove schools. After teaching, inspiring, and encouraging thousands of students for 32 years, she retired in 2010. Many students share that they would not have passed college humanities if they would not have learned so much in her class.
Ma was quite the sports enthusiast and a big fan of ALL things Locust Grove Pirates. From football to basketball to baseball to softball and even golf. However, everyone knew that her favorite sport was wrestling. She hauled her sons, along with countless others, all over the area to tournaments and matches. She spent countless hours in gymnasiums encouraging each and every one of her Pirates. There was not a single wrestler that would not hear Ma Bell's coaching and technique advice across the gym. Her words to you would often include her mantra, "Who loves ya, Baby?"
Ma also had an enjoyment for horse racing and had even written a poem about Secretariat. Although teaching was her calling, Ma had many talents and hobbies that included embroidery, crochet, painting, gardening, and quilting, just to name a few. As well, she has written many poems throughout the years. She also made quilts for all of her children and grandchildren. She gave 100% to each project and never did anything halfway. However, her greatest gift was her capacity to love all.
Though Ma loved her students and wrestlers, she loved her children and grandchildren above all. She encouraged and supported them in all their life's endeavors and adventures. She enjoyed every minute spent with them and cherished them above all else. Ma Bell will be forever missed by all that knew and loved her.
Ma is survived by: 4 children: Stephanie Anderson of Peggs, Sonya Bell of Locust Grove, Stephen Bell and wife Tammi of Pryor, and Scott Bell of Oceanside, California; 7 grandchildren: Brooke Anderson of Tahlequah, Chase Anderson of Peggs, Britni Johnson and husband Tyler of Coweta, Jodi Hornsby and husband Joel of Tulsa, Jaymee Hess and husband Derek of Foreman, Arkansas, Spencer Bell of Carlsbad, California, and Paris Bell of Oceanside, California; 7 great grandchildren; 1 brother and sister-in-law: Hillard Steve Foreman Jr and wife Christine of Leumeah, Australia; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law: Milena and Dennis Weston of Salina and Sue and Granvil Bates of Tulsa; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends that loved her dearly including the staff at the Cherokee County Nursing Center who loved and cared for her during her final transition. She had many "favorites". Their loving care is greatly appreciated by the family.
Ma was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; 1 brother: Frank Rhae Foreman; in-laws: Waite and Ruby Bell; and 1 son-in-law: Brian Anderson.
Mask are requested by the family for funeral services that will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, October 25, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Sister Edna Kiddy, Brother Shawn Bates, and Ma's son, Stephen Bell, will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date in the Hogan Cemetery, next to her beloved husband, Steve. Funeral and cremation services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home.https://www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Mary-Ma-Bell?obId=22686270#/celebrationWall
LOCUST GROVE FUNERAL HOME
Mary Elizabeth "Ma" (Foreman) Bell was born March 18, 1944, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Hillard Steve Foreman and Virginia Euletta (Bunnell) Foreman. She went home to heaven on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the age of 77 years, 6 months, and 28 days.
Mary attended Locust Grove public schools all of her life, graduating Locust Grove High School with the class of 1962. She married Steven Darrell Bell on May 28, 1959, in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they raised four children: Stephanie, Sonya, Stephen, and Scott. Steve preceded Mary in death on December 3, 2017. The couple had been married for over 58 years. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Locust Grove.
At the age of 31, Mary returned to school, attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. She graduated in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in English. In the fall of that year, she began teaching for Locust Grove public schools. She continued studies at NSU receiving her master's degree in 1989. Over the years, Mrs. Bell became affectionately known as "Ma Bell". Always looking to improve teaching methods, during the early 2000's, she was instrumental in implementing "Learning Styles" at Locust Grove schools. After teaching, inspiring, and encouraging thousands of students for 32 years, she retired in 2010. Many students share that they would not have passed college humanities if they would not have learned so much in her class.
Ma was quite the sports enthusiast and a big fan of ALL things Locust Grove Pirates. From football to basketball to baseball to softball and even golf. However, everyone knew that her favorite sport was wrestling. She hauled her sons, along with countless others, all over the area to tournaments and matches. She spent countless hours in gymnasiums encouraging each and every one of her Pirates. There was not a single wrestler that would not hear Ma Bell's coaching and technique advice across the gym. Her words to you would often include her mantra, "Who loves ya, Baby?"
Ma also had an enjoyment for horse racing and had even written a poem about Secretariat. Although teaching was her calling, Ma had many talents and hobbies that included embroidery, crochet, painting, gardening, and quilting, just to name a few. As well, she has written many poems throughout the years. She also made quilts for all of her children and grandchildren. She gave 100% to each project and never did anything halfway. However, her greatest gift was her capacity to love all.
Though Ma loved her students and wrestlers, she loved her children and grandchildren above all. She encouraged and supported them in all their life's endeavors and adventures. She enjoyed every minute spent with them and cherished them above all else. Ma Bell will be forever missed by all that knew and loved her.
Ma is survived by: 4 children: Stephanie Anderson of Peggs, Sonya Bell of Locust Grove, Stephen Bell and wife Tammi of Pryor, and Scott Bell of Oceanside, California; 7 grandchildren: Brooke Anderson of Tahlequah, Chase Anderson of Peggs, Britni Johnson and husband Tyler of Coweta, Jodi Hornsby and husband Joel of Tulsa, Jaymee Hess and husband Derek of Foreman, Arkansas, Spencer Bell of Carlsbad, California, and Paris Bell of Oceanside, California; 7 great grandchildren; 1 brother and sister-in-law: Hillard Steve Foreman Jr and wife Christine of Leumeah, Australia; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law: Milena and Dennis Weston of Salina and Sue and Granvil Bates of Tulsa; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends that loved her dearly including the staff at the Cherokee County Nursing Center who loved and cared for her during her final transition. She had many "favorites". Their loving care is greatly appreciated by the family.
Ma was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; 1 brother: Frank Rhae Foreman; in-laws: Waite and Ruby Bell; and 1 son-in-law: Brian Anderson.
Mask are requested by the family for funeral services that will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, October 25, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Sister Edna Kiddy, Brother Shawn Bates, and Ma's son, Stephen Bell, will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date in the Hogan Cemetery, next to her beloved husband, Steve. Funeral and cremation services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home.https://www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Mary-Ma-Bell?obId=22686270#/celebrationWall
Gravesite Details
Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date in the Hogan Cemetery, next to her beloved husband, Steve.
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