Margaret "Squeaky" R. (Bell) Vance

December 16, 1954 ~ February 18, 2021
Margaret “Squeaky” R. (Bell) Vance, 66, passed away on February 18, 2021, due to Covid-19 complications. “Squeaky” graduated from Bishop Carroll HS in ‘72 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in speech and journalism from Creighton University. She became the first female in broadcast sales in the Wichita market, creating the drive to become a fierce competitor among her counterparts. She was in media sales for over forty years and part of the “Media B’s” Club. Margaret was referred to as “The Greatest Salesperson in The Universe” which was a self-appointed and accurate title. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting her, you would consider yourself lucky. Margaret welcomed all into her home as family, and to her, family was everything. She lived a life full of magical adventure, nothing was ever simple or boring. Her over-the-top, larger than life personality made her one-of-a-kind. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader and the life of the party. No event was too small to celebrate in a big way. She loved all holidays, especially Halloween. Margaret took great pride that her home was known for her decorations and many people drove by to see them. Although her life was cut short, she lived every minute to the fullest, while spending all the time she could with her “greatest treasures”: her children and grandchildren. She was the coolest, most selfless, energetic mom anyone could ask for. Our world lost an amazing woman, but Heaven is now a brighter and louder place. Margaret is survived by her husband, Gregg Vance; her children, Lezlee (Chris) Brigham, Madison (Jarrett) Harwood and Hunter Vance; grandchildren, Harrison, Gracie, Maverick, Maizee and Emerie; her father, Johnnie Bell; siblings, Janet (Brad) Stephen, Diddy (Fred) Muck, Mike (Traci) Bell and Mark (Sherry) Bell. She was preceded in death by her mother, Laurestine Bell. Rosary, 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 25; Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 26, both at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Both services will be available digitally by the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dragon Master Foundation https://www.dragonmaster.org/memorial-margaret-vance. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Squeaky was truly one of a kind. We spent the summer of 1970 in Europe together and had an absolute blast! She was such an adventurous woman with a heart of gold and one of the most generous, open, and honest people I have ever known. She made the world a better place with her presence. My heartfelt sympathies to her family.
She was larger than life, but always sweet & kind!! Good memories of her & my late husband Kirby swapping sale stories!! She was one of a kind. Cindy Busby
I remember Margaret from when Maddie and my daughter Robin were in Brownies together. She was so nice and would do anything for anyone. My most sincere condolences to the family and prayers for strength through the days ahead.
I agree – Squeaky was one of a kind. I knew her at Carroll. She was outgoing, extremely funny and seemed to consider everyone to be her good friend. I have not seen her since I graduated in ’72, but will always remember her sense of humor and boisterous personality. I extend my sincerre condolences to her family. Steve Williamson
Hunter and Vance / Bell Family: I am so sorry he hear about your loss. I remember Margaret bringing all of her Christmas sweaters for an “ugly Christmas sweater” game for Hunter and my son’s 6th grade class. The kids had a blast. She was always so kind and had a smile on her face. Always willing to listen and make others feel better. Connie Belden (mother of Joshua Belden)
Our thoughts and prayers on the passing of a wonderful and joy filled woman. May the memories that linger be those of joy and laughter.
I’ve known Margaret for over 30 years and have always been so impressed by her. She first called on me in a sales position (I was a media buyer) and I always looked forward to her visits. She was so much fun and made our jobs fun too. I’ll miss her terribly as will the rest of the “media bitches”. RIP Squeaky – look over us from above because I know you are in heaven.
There was never a dull moment when Margaret was around. We were Lezlee’s brownie troop leaders, meeting in the basement of T-95, and planting the tree in front of the station that still grows. My personal favorite, earning our camping badge by sleeping in tents in Margaret’s front yard. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Lin and Terri Harris
Margaret was a good friend of The Kansas African American Museum; she helped us on multiple projects, including the digital production of our 2020 Trailblazers Gala. She was energetic, positive, professional and fun. My sincere condolences to the family and I hope warm, positive and strong memories of this “one in a million” person will help relieve the current pain of her loss.
My daughter Anna has been friends with Lezlee since middle school. Squeaky was a vibrant, generous woman who will be missed beyond measure. May God continue to be your comfort and strength. Such good memories! Karen Stevens
She will always be in my thoughts.
Missy remember when we went to the movie in the afternoon all by ourselfs. I had so much fun. No one was there. I wrapped my Leggs all around you. We laughing. Oh Missy. I miss you. Your big sis. Jan Jan