Katherine Louise “Kitty” Bell, 57, died Dec. 5, 2008 after a courageous six month battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 23, 1951 in French Camp, Calif., to Harry and Ethel H. (Foley) Caldwell.

Kitty was raised in Stockton and Rancho Cordova, Calif., graduating from Cordova senior High School. Rick Bell was a neighbor, living four houses away. He was home on leave from the Navy and she and Rick went on a date. When his leave was over they continued to correspond by mail for four months. Rick proposed in one of his letters and Kitty accepted.

Kitty and Rick were married in Rancho Cordova on Oct. 24, 1970. Their first duty station was NAS Whidbey Island. In 1978, Kitty went to work for Whidbey Island Bank, starting at the main branch in Coupeville. She later transferred to Oak Harbor. She left the bank in 1998 after 20 years of service.

Kitty was not one to sit still in retirement. She began work setting up the Whidbey Community Physicians office in Oak Harbor. She moved from the position to setting up and opening the Memory Care section of Oak Harbor Retirement Center (now called Harbor Care-Regency). She was also instrumental in the success of 20 Relay for Life events for the American Cancer Society in Oak Harbor.

Rick and Kitty both retired again and moved to their retirement home in Bullhead City, Ariz. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she and Rick returned to Whidbey, putting them close to Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Two wonderful people, Jack and Tracy Zimmerman, opened their home in Ledgewood, allowing Rick and Kitty to stay with them.

Kitty was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Bullhead City and a former member of the Oak Harbor church.

Funeral services for Kitty were held Dec. 12 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Oak Harbor. Private burial followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor. A reception for family and friends followed at the church.

Kitty is survived by her husband Rick of Bullhead City, Ariz; two children, Dustin Bell of Appleton, Minn., and Janice (Chris) Wrhel of Port Townsend; two sisters, Jeanine Koster and Laurie Caldwell of Oak Harbor; and three grandchildren, Alexander, Gabriel and Patricia Bell, all of Tacoma. Her parents preceded her in death.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor. Friends may sign the guest register at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com.