Obituaries

We are heartbroken to announce that Judith Ann Bell ("Judie") passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home Thursday, November 2, 2023, with her beloved dog Olivia by her side. She was born in Madison, Wisconsin on June 17, 1935 to the late Kenneth A. and Gretchen T. James. On June 12, 1954 she married Robert G. Bell, the love of her life. Bob passed away in 2013 after 59 years of marriage.

Judie never met a stranger. She lived her early years in the small town of Montfort, Wisconsin, but after her marriage to Bob, over the years she moved ten times to establish new homes for Bob and the family. She embraced change with an impressive flourish, and as a result, has many lifelong friends all across the country. She was known by those who loved her as a "force", a one of a kind personality that filled the room. Judie stood out in a crowd not only because of her personality, but also due to her fabulous fashion sense. She could accessorize like no other. An extremely loyal Badger fan through thick and thin, she could be found watching many a Badger game with an Old Fashioned in hand (garnished with two olives). She was a proud member of PEO for most of her adult life. She was a member of Maple Bluff Country Club. She cherished spirituality and was a member of the Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison. Most of all, she was a loving and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother and friend.

Judie will be dearly missed by her children, Robert (Sherri), Kenneth (Kerri), Steven (Angela), and Susan (Gillian); 4 grandchildren, Melissa, Krysta, Lindsey and Arch; 7 great-grandchildren and loving dog, Olivia.

Memorial services will be held at 11 am cst, at Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham Street, Madison on December 9, 2023 with Rev. Dr. Jessica Patchett officiating. A celebration of Judie's life will be held at the Edgewater Hotel after the service on December 9 from 12 to 4 pm. We welcome all who knew and loved Judie to join us.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Dane County Humane Society Dane County Humane Society | Donate (giveshelter.org) Judie will be missed by all but never forgotten.