Laurie (Champ) Bell
Bell, Laurie (Champ), left the world as we know it and went to be with the Lord on the first day of Spring, Friday, March 20, 2009. The Bell Family will be celebrating her life with a Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Monday, March 23, and a Mass, 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 24, both at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Schulte. Laurestine was born in Schulte, Kansas, the youngest of five children, to Clarence and Margaret Champ. She graduated from Sacred Heart College and has always had a love for the Sisters of the Precious Blood. As a teenager, Laurie was honored by the City of Wichita as the first ambassador representative to our sister city, Orleans, France. She later married Johnnie Bell, her beloved husband of 59 years and the love of her life. Together they share five children, thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Laurie was the co-owner and manager of Johnnie Bell Floor Company. She served on the board of directors for Catholic Charities, St. Anthonys Shelter, Newman University and Easter Seals just to name a few. Laurie received the Maria De Mattias Alumni Award and the highest honor awarded by Newman University: The Newman Medal. She was instrumental in the Jet Open and was recently inducted into the 2007 Newman University Sports Hall of Fame for all of her efforts with that program. Laurie loved to attend all of her childrens and grandchildrens school and sports events and remained the familys #1 cheerleader until she died. Laurie was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Laurn, Grant, Gerald and Glen Champ and sister, Beatrice Johnson. Laurie is survived by her husband, Johnnie; children and their spouses, Janet and Brad Stephen, Margaret and Gregg Vance, Mary Grace and Fred Muck, Mike and Traci Bell, Mark and Sherry Bell; grandchildren, Erich, Megan, Broch and Zach Stephen, Joel Quilty, Mark, Danielle, Heidi and Anna Stephen, Luke Stephen, Lezlee and Madison Girrens, Hunter Vance, Molly, Morgan and Austin Muck, Brock, Blake, Brittney, Beau and Brett Bell. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Newman University, 3100 McCormick, Wichita, KS 67213. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.
Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Monday, March 23, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church,Schulte, KS
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Mom it’s almost your Birthday. I wish you were here with me. We could be setting in our chairs napping. You would be telling me to pray more or how much you liked G. I miss you sooooo much. Love, your cutest, favorite, saddest daughter janet
Mom, I can’t believe you been away from me so long. I miss you so much. Life will never been the same without you. I pray you are with your Very Best Friend, The Blessed Virgin, I know she loves you so much. Love, Your cutest, and nicest and sadness daughter,
Dear Grace, I am really sorry and sad to hear of the loss of your Mother. I wish I could be there to give you a big hug. I hope one day soon after you return home we could visit, and if you would like share some stories about your Mom. Until then know that you are in my heart and prayers. Love, Teresa McGlynn
Dear Mr. Bell and Family I am a friend of your lovely daughter Grace here in Kingwood Texas. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Laurie Bell. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to each of you in this difficult time. May God comfort you in every way and give you peace.
Johnnie and family. I was very saddened to hear of the loss of Laurie. She was a wonderful woman. We will keep you in our prayers.
My heartfelt condolences to Mike, Mark, Johnny, and the entire Bell family. You have a wonderful family and your dear one will be greatly missed. All of you, in various ways, have contributed so much to our community. Thanks!
Mr. Bell, Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved wife. We did not know Laurie, but are friends of Grace. It comes as no surprise to us that Grace was raised by such an amazing, faith-filled woman with a big heart and great love for family and community. Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers. God bless, The Larry Lucas family
Janet, Mike, Mark, Squeaky, Diddy – and all your families – your mom was such a hoot! We just loved seeing her about – her energy was uplifting and contagious! Blessings to you and to your dad at this difficult time. Know that we are thinking of you all. Greg and Phyllis Guinn
Diddy and family, you’re very much in our hearts and prayers. We love you! Judy, Ryan, Jordan, and Hayden
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. I did not know Laurie Bell, but after reading about her, I must say I am impressed and inspired by her energy, love of service and dedication to family. May God bless you.
I am so sorry to read that Laurie has passed on but I’m sure she’s busy in heaven telling everyone about her great family. I never knew anyone with such great energy and enthusiasm and I was very blessed to have known her. My thoughts are with all of you and especially Johnny. Much love.
Johnnie & family, I have known Laurie for 20 years or more and we always had a great time talking. I first met her when I worked at Wichita Royale and helped with the chiefs coming to town for Mike’s wedding. She was a wonderful woman and a great friend. We talked alot when I would go to the Beauty Shop. She was always fun to be with. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you on this very difficult time. Love & Prayers
So sorry to hear about Laurie,and wanted all of you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
What can I say, Ma blessed me the moment I walked in the house 34 years ago. Always a smile and going all the time.Thank You Laurie for being my friend. I smile when I think of the tail gate parties, football camp at WSU, all the times we just sat at the house and talked. I was asked once, ‘Who on this earth do you admire and the happiest to meet. I would always say, ‘Laurie Bell.’ She touched me so deeply and was always my friend. I Love You Laurie Bell. Johnnie, Mike, Mark, Janet, Squeeky, Diddy, and family. I am here for you if you need me. I Love You All.
Laurie, I had only know you for a short time but you have been a true blessing to get to know, and heaven is receiving a true gift. You always were so happy and had good things to say about those around you. I enjoyed talking to you while at the dental office and you will truly be missed. I smile right now as I think about you. Johnnie, my thoughts and prayers are also with you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family cindy tibbitts ( Dr Gary Sickles office)
Johnny and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during these mourning times for the loss of your dear loved one. Jerry and Ellie Ewald
Johnnie and family: Your loss is Heaven’s great gain. Laurie Bell will be remembered in our family as a loving and devoted wife and mother, and our dear friend. Her laughter will resonate through our minds, her smile is forever etched in our memories. Laurie was a wonderful woman. Our deepest symapthy and prayers are with you. God bless.
Laurie will be missed by so many. She was giving and loving. I remember our last visit at her home. It was Wed. afternoon after a Serra lunch meeting. Laurie was sharing memories and showing special items. I enjoyed our talk about the book ‘A Girl in A Hurry’ (foundress of the Adorers of the Precious Blood Of Christ). Even on oxygen Laurie was moving and making her message clear. I am grateful to know her and spend time with her. Linda Shinogle
Dearest Laurestine-We had so many great times together and so much fun!You were always so good to me.I wish that everyone in this world had the same tremendous attitude and spirit that you possessed.I am so grateful that I came to see you on your Birthday last October.What a doll you were.Always so much fun and one of the most generous people I have ever known.I know that you are with are Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ now and embracing your new Heaven life.I am sure that my Mom will be so excited at your arrival.I know that I’ll see you again and promise to keep your family and Johnnie in my prayers.Thank You for always being so good to me.Love Your Friend and Favorite Singing Telegramer-Brian
Mom, You loved us soooo much. We will take care of Dad. Everything about my Mom was exceptional, her holiness, her laughter, her love, her inspiriation. Mom, who I called several times a day.,…I will miss you.
I may have not known Laurie as well as some people, but what I do know is that she was kind, sweet, and an all around great woman. She made me feel so welcome to the family, and I enjoyed visiting with Laurie down at the salon while we would get our hair done. I will miss Laurie greatly and their will always be a special place for her in my heart.
I am so sad to learn of your loss. I have always loved Mrs. Bell so much. She was such an inspiration to people who knew her. My memories of her when I was young are treasured by me. She will be missed, but her wonderful spirit and kindness in life will be long remembered by those who knew her. Mr.Bell, I am so sorry for your heartache. If I can help in any way, please let me know. This is so sad.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You will all be in our prayers and thoughts at this difficult time. Hopefully knowing she is in a better place will give you some comfort.
Diddy and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts and prayer go out to your family at this time. Laurie(Grandma Bell) was a very special lady.