Elizabeth Bell

Elizabeth Michelle Bell, 44, passed away on Tuesday, May 27th at her residence in Galesburg, MI. Elizabeth was lovingly cared for by Christine Decker of CD Mended Hearts and had resided there since 2017. 

Elizabeth was born June 1st, 1980 in Three Rivers, MI, the daughter of Richard Leolin Bell, JR., and Janet (Hackenberg) Davidson. She grew up in Three Rivers and moved to Vicksburg in 1999. Elizabeth had a rough start in life; she was six weeks premature and suffered from hypoxia before birth. Shortly after birth she was diagnosed as being severely mentally impaired. 

Elizabeth had the cutest smile and laugh; it could light up a whole room. Elizabeth loved music, watching Disney movies, trips to Binder Park Zoo, animals, and playing with her dolls. Beth especially loved the goats at the zoo and would laugh hysterically at their antics when they jumped on things. Beth's favorite doll was named TaTa and she loved her as much as any mother could love her child. Due to her disability she only learned to say one word which was doll. Beth was so proud of TaTa, she would say "doll" and hold her up for everyone to see. Tata was her best friend along with her sister Christine. Christine and Beth were always close; they shared the same disability. Both girls shared a room at CD Mended Hearts until Christine passed away in September 2024. Beth's health started declining after her sister passed away, she didn't understand why her sister wasn't with her anymore. 

Elizabeth attended Pathfinder Center in Centerville. Croyden Avenue School and the Center for Disability Services, both in Kalamazoo. 

Elizabeth is survived by her mother and father, sisters Angie (Bell) Young and Stephanie Dianth Bell; brothers Ray Bell, Charlie Bell, Jason Moyer, Daniel Bell and Jonathan Moyer. Surviving uncles include Joe (Vicki) Hackenberg and Ron (Patricia) Bell. Surviving aunts include Jane (Larry) Headley and Marlene (Bell) Armstrong. There are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, an infant cousin Andrew Hackenberg and her sister Christine Ann Bell. 

Elizabeth will be cremated with funeral arrangements being handled by Avink. McCowen, and Secord Cremation Society of Vicksburg. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, June 16th, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Three Rivers. The family will receive guests starting at 10am and the Celebration of Life service will begin at 11am. A luncheon will follow the service in the church social room.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Beth's guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with her family. The Bell family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Steet, Vicksburg, MI 49097. (269) 649-1697.