Mary L Bell

Mary Louise Bell May 6, 1936 – January 17, 2025

Mary Louise Bell, lovingly known as "Mamaw Bell", passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, surrounded by her family on Blue River Road in Pekin, Indiana. She was 88 years old.

Born on May 6, 1936, to Arvle and Anna Marie Schmitt Walker in a humble house along Silver Creek in Sellersburg, Indiana, Mary’s life was a testament to her resilience, strength, and love. As an infant, Mary survived the Great Flood of 1937 when her parents swam her to safety in a metal tub, to save her from the rising currents, a story that became a defining part of her history.

Mary’s early years saw her family moving throughout Southern Indiana, eventually settling near Pekin. She was baptized in the Martinsburg Stone Quarry while attending South Liberty Church of Christ. A proud graduate of Pekin High School, Class of 1955, where Mary met and later married the love of her life, Marvin Bell, on November 19, 1955. Together, they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and devotion.

Upon marrying, Mary Bell and Marvin established their home place on Blue River Road, where they managed a thriving dairy farm. A proud farmer’s wife and a steadfast partner in all aspects of the farm, Mary was known for her unmatched work ethic and green thumb. Her large garden was a source of pride and joy, and true to her giving spirit, she delighted in sharing the fruits of her labor with friends and family every year. When Mary wasn’t tending the farm or the garden, she could frequently be found in the kitchen baking her legendary peach cobbler, coconut cream pie, yeast rolls and yearly Christmas goodies. It was also commonplace to find her pillaging a blackberry patch, a chestnut tree or wondering the woods, grandchildren in tow, in search of a treasure trove of mushrooms. And if you happened by the Bell farm at any time, you were sure to be treated to a cold glass of Mary Bell’s famous sweet tea… rumored to be the best in Indiana. 

Mamaw Bell's greatest joy in life was her family, particularly her grandchildren, for whom she was a constant source of love, encouragement, and pride. Whether cheering them on at sporting events, making apple butter over an open fire together, or simply spending time on the farm, Mamaw Bell’s presence was a cherished gift. Dependable to a fault, she could always be counted on to drop what she was doing to be a caring grandmother… and she spent many a day happily babysitting her grandchildren. Mary was a passionate Eastern Musketeer fan… rarely missing a game, particularly one where her grandchildren played, and always kept score herself. In a loud gymnasium full of fans, her grandchildren could single out her signature cheer “Be There” with every shot… this will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved her and it will surely be missed along with her youthful giggle and mischievous smile.

Mary worked at Smith Cabinet in Salem for over 30 years before joining the Salem JayC Store and later the Pekin Post Office. Her kind heart, dedication and tireless spirit inspired all who knew her. Over the years, she was also an active member of the Pekin Saddle Club, the Pekin Community Betterment Organization, and the Washington County Historical Society.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Marvin Bell; her brothers, Arvle "Sonny Boy", Donnie, and John Walker; a sister, Georgia Jones; sons-in-law, Marc Claywell, Vincent Sprinkle, and Douglas Hildreth; and her dear daughter-in-law and caregiver, Shawna Bell.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her four children: LouAnn (Denny) Kindrick, Emma Sprinkle, Myra Hildreth, and Troy Bell; 13 grandchildren, including Marc (Christy) Claywell, Michelle (Brent) Whittaker, Michael Claywell, Claudia (Bobby) Lee, Dub (Chrissy) Dodge, Amelia (Dustin) Mollet, Olivia Wheeler, Tory Hildreth, Justin Bell, Jacob Bell, Josh Kindrick, Lindsey (Travis) Smith, Heather Riley, and Kayla Hildreth; 30 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren, with two more great-great-granddaughters expected soon.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11AM at Pekin United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-8PM at Weathers Funeral Home and Thursday from 9AM-time of service at Pekin United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions in Mary’s honor may be made to the Martinsburg Cemetery.

Mary’s love, strength, generosity and unwavering devotion to her family and community will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.