Lois Maxine Huntley, daughter of Max and Emma (Hultander) Huntley, was born November 28, 1926 in
Moore
Township
in Stevens County, Minnesota. She began attending School District #45 and graduated from
Hancock
High School
in 1944. Following her graduation, Lois continued her education at Northwestern Hospital Nursing Cadet Corp where she received her RN degree. Lois worked in the New York City Public Health Department for 6 months before returning to
Minneapolis
to work as a surgical nurse at Northwestern.
On May 28, 1950 she was united in marriage to Zip Bell. To this union four children were born: Judy, Mark, Tracey and Lisa. Lois’ nursing career continued in Hancock working for Dr. O.A. Eide. She later returned to the operating room as a surgical nurse in the
Morris
Hospital
, eventually retiring in 1985 after further service at
Benson
Hospital
. She and Zip then wintered in
Florida
, enjoying the sun and company of their children and grandchildren.
Lois had a life-long love of learning and music. She loved to play the piano and was an organist at Our Redeemer’s
Lutheran
Church
for 50 years; retiring in 2009. Lois enjoyed her flower garden, stargazing and watching the moon rise over
Lake
Minnewaska
. She enjoyed listening to opera and loved to travel, frequently visiting
Spain
with her family. Lois was a good neighbor and friend to many. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Lois died on Friday, June 25, 2010 at the
St. Cloud
Hospital
, having lived to reach the age of 83 years.
She is survived by her husband: Zip Bell of Hancock; one son: Mark (Karen) Bell of Ham Lake; three daughters: Judy (Charles) Schaefer of Hancock, Tracey (Dave) Eliason of Fergus Falls and Lisa (Scott) Dee of Alexandria; eight grandchildren: Lindsay (Josh) Jenson, Ryan Schaefer, Reed Bell, Paige Bell, Andy and Erik Eliason and Nicholas and Ellen Dee; one great-granddaughter: Willow Hope Jenson and two brothers: Dick (Betty) Huntley of Knoxville, TN and Don (Jody) Huntley of Cyrus and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and step-mother: Edelweiss Huntley.
Pallbearers for the service are: Reed Bell, Andy Eliason, Erik Eliason, Ryan Schaefer, Josh Jenson, Matt Huntley and Nicholas Dee. Diane Alveshere will serve as organist for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
