Nita Rose Bell, age 81, passed away on February 19, 2007 in Mesa, AZ. Nita was born in Dallas, Texas to Leslie John McCarty and Bertie Viola Matlock McCarty. Nita attended and graduated second in her class fro Pampa High School, Pampa, Texas. During World War II, she attended Texas University in Austin, Texas for two years with a vision of achieving a medical career. Nita chose, instead, to follow her dreams and marry Bill Bell, a returning war veteran and high school classmate. They were married on November 20, 1944. Nita and Bill resided in Norman, Oklahoma where Bill graducated from Oklahoma University. After moving to Albuquerque, NM in 1949, together, Nita and Bill built Bill Bell of Albuquerque Photography, a highly respected and well-known portrait studio for 45 years. Along with Bill, Nita was a prominent member of the National Professional Photographers of America and earned her Master of Photography in August of 1962. Together, Nita and Bill became the first couple to become Master Photographer Craftsmen. For a number of years, Nita was an internationally recognized presenter in the successful method of portraiture, sales techniques, public relations and studio management. Nita is past president of the Professional Photographers of New Mexico, a position held by few women, past president of the Southwestern Photographers Assn. and member of the State Board of Directors for Southwestern Photographers Assn. for numerous terms. Nita was highly recognized ont he state and national level with prestigious awards and merits for her portraiture accomplishments. Nita served in a competitive judging capacity in both those arenas throughout her career. Upon retirement in 1993, Nita and Bill maintained residence in Albuquerque along with part-time residence in Leisure World in Mesa, AZ. In the summer of 2003, they moved to Mesa, AZ as full-time residents to be closer to family and friends and enjoy the community and all that it has to offer. Nita is survived by her husband of 62 years and best friend, William Worth Bell, daughters, Lizabeth Elaine Bell Waugh and her husband, Patrick Waugh, Linda Rosanne Loy and her husband, Steve Loy, grandchildren, Karrie Kristin Pierson and her husband, James Pierson III, Britton Ashely Picciolini and her husband, Christian Picciolini, Michael Mauchline, Kelli Lynn Newsome and her husband, Zackary Newsome, Kristin Lizabeth Loy, great-grandchildren, Katherine Grace Pierson, Jospeh James Pierson, Caroline Elizabeth Pierson, Anna Clare Pierson, Kellen James Nesome, Kirra Jade Newsome, Devin Picciolini and Brandon Picciolini. Nita was preceded in passing by her parents, sister, Orma Jean Loibl and daughter, Leslie Jeanette Mauchline. Memorial Services are planned for 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at Leisure World in Mesa, AZ, at Rec One Clubroom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of Nita's favorite charities, "The Smile Train" at www.SmileTrain.org.