Gerald A. “Jerry” Bell, age 89, went home to be with his Lord, surrounded by family and friends, at WhidbeyHealth on Dec. 9. He was born Nov. 13, 1927 in Opportunity, Wash. to Jesse and Margaret Bell. Jerry grew up in Toppenish, one of nine children, and graduated from Toppenish High School in 1945.
The Bell family answered an ad in the newspaper and purchased a farm, sight unseen, on West Beach Road in 1946 and Whidbey became home. Over time, the farm grew from 15 to 65 acres. Jerry’s brother, Russ, became a partner and the farm was known as Bell Brothers. They were particularly known for raising chickens, selling eggs and growing strawberries.
In 1961, Jerry’s sister, Evelyn Mueller, was left to raise three children by herself. She joined her brothers on the farm, and Jerry and Russ became dad to three children ages three, six and 18 months. They raised the three children as their own, with total love and devotion. Jerry and Russ together were the only father Tom, Frank and Dorothy knew.
Jerry, Grandma Bell and Russ ran the farm as a team. When Grandma Bell began to have difficulty at home, Jerry sought assistance, and LaVonne came to his rescue. Soon, a romance began and, on Nov. 20, 1976, Jerry Bell and LaVonne Sheard were married at the San de Fuca Chapel. LaVonne joined the Bell family. Jerry and LaVonne celebrated their 40th anniversary on Nov. 20.
Jerry believed in giving to his community. He and Russ were charter members of the San de Fuca Fire Department, which became North Whidbey Fire and Rescue. They also convinced nephew, Frank, to join the Fire Department. Jerry retired from the department with the rank of captain.
Jerry was a life member of the San de Fuca Community Chapel, serving as a Board Elder for many years; he was a life member of the Central Whidbey Sportsman Association; and he was a board member of the Whidbey Island Conservation District.
Jerry loved his wife, his family and his Lord. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, puzzles, coaching Peewee basketball, dogs, crabbing and travel. Jerry and LaVonne had a passion for travel, visiting New Zealand, Australia, Europe, Costa Rica and many other places.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, LaVonne, and his nieces and nephews, Tom and Debbie Mueller, Frank and Renee’ Mueller and Dorothy Mueller, all of Coupeville. Jerry was also “grandfather” to Paige Mueller, Trevor (Miranda) Mueller, Justine (Matthew) Andrews and Alexis (David) Stratman, as well and numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews who live off-island. He is also survived by one sister, Jean (Ike) Weber of Buckley.
Memorial services for Jerry Bell will be held at the San de Fuca Community Chapel at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, with Pastor Cliff Horr officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Sierra Club House. Private family graveside services will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home &Cremation, Oak Harbor, Wash. The family suggests memorials to JAARS or Village Missions. Please visit Jerry’s page in the book of memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences.
