Joan Louise Bell of Okmulgee passed away in Tulsa on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the age of 81. Joan was born on November 12, 1942, in Tulare, Calif. to her parents, James and Effie (Crummett) Ellis. She met the love of her life, Alva (Cody) Bell, at an early age and married shortly after she turned 15 years old. They were married on May 2, 1958, in Okmulgee.
After Alva’s military service, he worked in the oil fields, and together they lived and traveled throughout most of the United States. They had six children: Alan Bell, Ethel “Jo” Deming, Chris Bell, Randy Bell, Sheila Bell, and Tracy Bell, along with two stepchildren, Kathy and John Bell.
She was survived by three sisters Vicki Nichols, Agnes Baxter, and Lina Ellis, and a brother Jasper Ellis, and 22 grandchildren and multiple great grandchildren Joan took night classes as an adult to obtain her GED, a milestone she was proud to achieve. Known for her caregiving nature, she was a “mom” to many and was often described as someone who would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Her generosity touched many lives, even when she had little to give.
Joan worked as a chef and manager at the Okmulgee Memorial Hospital November 12, 1942 – June 3, 2024
for 43 years until her retirement in 2016.
She is preceded in death by her spouse, Alva (Cody) Bell; Her father, James Ellis; and her mother, Effie Ellis. Joan leaves behind many loving memories with her family, including her children, and her brother and sisters, many other loving relatives and a host of friends.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on June 7, 2024, at Schaudt’s Okmulgee Funeral Service Chapel, 220 S. Alabama Ave. in Okmulgee, with Pastor Brayden Buss officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Brandon North, Tracy (T.J.) Bell, Bryan Bell, Rusty Johnson, Randall Bell, Cody Deming and Aaron Bell.
Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt’s Okmulgee Funeral Service & Cremation Care. Family and friends may leave kind words of comfort, special memories and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice. com.
