Nida Bell

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Nida Moses Bell, 83, of Mounds died Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at Summit Nursing Facility in Lakeway, Texas.

She was born Dec. 5, 1926, in Mounds, daughter of the late George Samaha and Mary Hamaway Moses.

Nida attended Webster Grove College and Chicago Musical College, majoring in music. She later sang in many choirs and was a vocalist for many occasions throughout the area.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mound City, Ill. She was known for her special bread making, and enjoyed quilting. She was very active in 4-H and served as a 4-H leader many years.

Nida was co-owner of the John W. Bell Monuments of Cairo, Ill., with her husband, John W. Bell Jr., and had been co-owner of Green Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Villa Ridge, Ill., 29 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John W. Bell Jr., March 27, 1983; a great-grandson, Austin Gabriel Bell, Feb. 26, 2002; four brothers; and a sister.

Survivors include a son, George M. Bell and wife Shirley of Mounds; two daughters, Marie Bernadette Bell-Jones and husband Michael of Sutton, Alaska, Diana Lynne Bell-Hubbell and husband Steven of Dripping Springs, Texas; six grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a brother, John Moses of Mounds; several nieces and nephews.

Per Nida's request there will be no public service.

A private gathering of family and extended family members will be at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge. A graveside service will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Mounds.

At Nida's request, no flowers please. Memorials may be made to Mounds Public Library, 418 First St., Mounds, IL 62964, or to Cairo Public Library, P.O. Box 151, Cairo, IL 62914, in memory of Nida M. Bell.