Betty Jean Bell, age 77, of New Lisbon, WI, formerly of Rock Springs, was called home by the Lord on June 17, 2024 after a lengthy fight with dementia complicated by strokes. Tomah Hospice assisted the family in caring for Betty so that she could stay in her home.

Betty was born in Baraboo on June 9, 1947 to Donald and Ruth (Nelson) Tauber. She grew up a mischievous tomboy and Army brat and did not enjoy the moving due to the Army. However, in between moves, the family would always return to the Baraboo area.

She graduated from Webb High School in Reedsburg in 1965, and soon was united in marriage to Dennis H. Bell, a marriage that would last 53 years until his death on April 19, 2019. She would come to call Rock Spring her home from 1976 until losing the home to the flood of 2008. She worked as a teacher’s aide, and then as a secretary for the Rock Springs Elementary School until it closed in 2010, and she was forced to retire. She enjoyed being around the students most of all, and many still remember her from recess in her big, purple McGrimace coat. With retirement, she and Dennis moved to rural New Lisbon in their final home in 2010.

Betty enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting; with many people receiving quilts, stocking caps and slippers in whatever colors and patterns that catered to their individual interests.

Her help, love and quirky sense of humor that she expressed to children throughout her life touched more than just her two sons, and will be sadly missed.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dennis; sisters Nancy (Vic) Anderson and Carol Tauber; brothers-in-law, Robert (Sandy) Bell, and Theodore “Ted” Bell; and sister-in-law, Donna (Doug) Dyke.

She is survived by her two sons, Gene (Dana) of Demotte, IN, and Wayne (Julie) of New Lisbon; grandchildren, Andy (Taylor) Bell of Westby, and Heather (Dustin) Gasser of Reedsburg; and her great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, David (Jan) Tauber of Rock Springs, and sister, Pat (Joe) Schwochert of Baraboo; brothers-in-law, Lester (Heidi) Bell of Blaine, MN, Jim (Carol) Bell of Reedsburg, William (Mary) Bell of Cameron, Ronald (Bonnie) Bell of North Freedom, Donald (Sandy) Bell of Baraboo; and John (Sue) Bell of Rock Springs; sisters-in-law, Edith (Harley) Wiese of Loganville, and Sue Bell of Reedsburg; as well as numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Betty Bell will be conducted on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg with Chaplain Daniel Farber officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 P.M. until the time of the service. Betty’s ashes will be laid to rest with her husband at Oak Hill Cemetery in North Freedom at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, please make a contribution to your favorite charity in her memory.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.