Alice Luetta Bell, 88, of Overland Park, KS, passed away on March 31, 2024, from complications of dementia.
Alice was born on May 23, 1935, in rural Pattonsburg, MO, to Martin David and Della Mae (Sweat) Shipers. She lived on the family farm near Pattonsburg for 54 years before moving to Overland Park. On December 23, 1955, she married Virgil “Tink” Bell in Cameron, MO. He preceded her in death on December 11, 1987.
Alice worked at Headwear, USA, Pattonsburg, for 49 years before retiring when the business closed. Alice didn’t know what retirement meant; so after leaving the factory, she continued to work, catering music shows, dinners, and parties throughout the area. She loved to cook for family and friends, always making way too much. Being an accomplished seamstress, she loved making doll clothes and quilts. She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and reading.
Special thanks go to those who helped Alice during her later years, especially Leanna Thompson, Brian Thompson, the employees of BTC Bank in Pattonsburg, and JoAnn Carter of the former Jo’s Bows.
She is survived by her daughter, Allison (Butch) Ford, Gardner, KS; grandchildren Brett Henggeler, Olathe, KS; Brianna (Leo) Becker, Leavenworth, KS; and Joshua (Katelynn) Ford, Overland Park, KS; great-grandchildren Leo and Ivy Henggeler, Eloise Becker, and Gracie Ford; sister Leanna Thompson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Kermit, Oral, Eddie, Earl Dean, Frank, and Irwin; and sisters Zemilena Markham, Mary Ward, Marcella Applegate, Eulanda Plymell, Deloris Shipers, and Jenelda Horner.
Graveside Services and Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Pattonsburg, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Roberson Funeral Home, Pattonsburg, MO.
