Eleanor H. Bell

Eleanor H. Bell, 82, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2011, at a Topeka care facility. She was born January 18, 1929, in Wichita, the daughter of Ito A. and V. Harriet Brown Van Gieson. She graduated from Wichita North High School and Friends University. She resided in Wichita until 1975, when she moved to Topeka.

She was employed as a Medical Editor for the Kansas Medical Society and the Menninger Foundation before retiring. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Women in Communities and the Kansas Writers Association.

Eleanor married Donald A. Bell on August 19, 1949, in Wichita. She was preceded in death by infant son Michael E. Bell, granddaughter Jamie Bell-Martinez, and former husband Donald A. Bell. Eleanor is survived by longtime companion, Craig W. Stafford of Topeka, and her children, Carol A. Bell of Arlington, Virginia, Teresa Matthews of Henderson, Nevada, Catherine M. Welch of Clearwater, Susan J. Simmons of Maize, Steven F. Bell of Wichita, David P. Bell of Lawrence, Jennifer L. Farris of Olathe, Donna Embree of Wichita, ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her brother and sister-in-law Herbert and Fern Van Gieson of Wichita.

Memorial services will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Topeka, on Friday, May 27, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Menninger Clinic Foundation, Houston, Texas, or to a charity of the donor's choosing. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family.