Barbara Joan Bell
November 6, 1932 - October 4, 2019
"The freedom of the soul-bird, Death cannot take away" - Sri Chinmoy
On October 4, 2019, in Palm Springs, California, Barbara Joan Bell was surrounded by the comfort of her loving family as she moved on to meet those who passed before her, including her parents, Kenneth and Ruby Bell, her brother Kenneth Bell Jr., and her son Kevin Chittim.
Barbara is survived by her remaining children and their spouses: Kathleen (Rudy), Tim (Gina), Teresa, Virginia, Bridget, Mary, Margaret, and Charlie (Sarah), as well as her 15 grandchildren: Austin, Kenney, Travis, Charlie, Cole, Dakota, Jade, Marisa, Jennamarie, Blake, Kathryn, Ireland, Joseph, Claire, and Jenelle, and 6 great-grandchildren.
Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming on November 6, 1932, Barbara led an interesting and full life. She was raised by parents who were loving, compassionate, and strong, and she carried those same traits throughout her life.
Barbara’s father, Kenneth, was of Irish and Scottish descent, and just like his daughter, he never met a stranger. Kenneth and his brothers founded the Bell Livestock Company and Bell Ranch, in Wyoming, and he traveled the state as a Land Commissioner, as appointed by the Governor of Wyoming. Barbara’s mother, Ruby, was a beauty of Norwegian descent, and she truly was a “woman of the West” well before her time. Ruby owned and ran many businesses, such as the family dairy and horse stables, and she could adapt to any situation.
When Barbara was a young child, she and her family moved from Cheyenne to the East Bell Ranch, situated outside of town. Starting at the age of 3 years, Barbara loved to ride her horse, Strawberry, bareback across the family ranch. She had an adventurist spirit and intellectual curiosity, and she approached every experience with a childlike wonder that she never lost.
When Barbara was 4 years old, her mother began taking her to Zion and Yosemite National Parks, as well as making many trips to Yellowstone.
Barbara developed a love for traveling and camping, which continued throughout her lifetime as she traveled the national parks and campgrounds with her beloved “Heartsong” Toyota Tacoma truck and Casita trailer.
She traveled to many places in the U.S., as well as favorite countries such as Mexico, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia. Barbara made many life-long friends along the way as she shared her zest for life and the love and joy, she carried everywhere with her. Just a few weeks before passing, she visited Joshua Tree National Park.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. (Irish Blessing)
No matter where life took her, Barbara greeted everyone with her beautiful, warm smile. She was sensitive to the world and the people around her, and she was strong in a quiet, graceful way. She had an infectious giggle that no one could ever forget. With her genuine interest and beautiful soul, she made everyone feel special.
Both intelligent and creative, Barbara had a yearning to learn foreign languages and, as a child, was taught how to dissect the Latin root of a word. Her fascination with words and languages extended to reading, and she not only loved to read herself, but enjoyed sending books to her grandchildren. She enjoyed music and had a beautiful singing voice, as well as a true talent for dancing – especially the jitterbug!
Her kind spirit was apparent in her positive attitude and the pure love she showed everyone she met. She taught her children to embrace others and to give others unconditional love. Her sunny disposition was often the bright light in our cloudy day. Independent and resourceful, she was a natural teacher and excelled at many things such as gardening and photography, and she had a passion for politics.
In her later years, Barbara completed her college degree and became an Early Childhood Educator. She viewed the world from a positive, compassionate, and hopeful perspective, and wanted to help those who were less fortunate. Barbara was involved in numerous charities throughout her lifetime. She worked as a volunteer teaching children to read and enjoyed her work with the teen pregnancy program at a high school in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She also taught Sunday School at Self-Realization Fellowship in San Marcos, California.
Even though Barbara lived her life to the fullest, there was always more she wanted to experience – and at the age of 86, she still had items on her bucket list! We all – her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – find peace knowing that our mother and Granibaba lived with such a love for life and treated everyone according to the Golden Rule. She was a kind and beautiful soul, and the best role model in every way.
Our hearts are broken to let you go, and we will rejoice when we see you again in Heaven.
Until we meet again… Vaya con Dios.
Celebration of Barbara’s Life
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Self-Realization Fellowship, 939 2nd Street, Encinitas, CA 92024
Friends who wish to do so may make a contribution in Barbara’s memory to:
Mother Teresa’s Sister of Charity Contemplative House
2877 Boston Ave.
San Diego, CA 90113 (619) 263-9566.
Barbara’s Favorite Affirmations
Until we meet again… Vaya con Dios XOXOXO
Painting of Mom by Kathleen Strukoff
Such a loving and humorous person who spawned an equally wonderful daughter, Kathleen, who gave me the opportunity to share some times with her mother. Barbara rejoiced in all she spoke about, from politics to ranching, art to teaching. Her candle may be out but her light will remain with all who knew her.
It was my privilege to know Barbara through her beloved daughter, Kathleen. What an extraordinary and irresistible cutie pie she was!! Her beauty was not skin deep – she was kind and sensitive, and it was fascinating to see people respond to her. Her intelligence, sense of adventure, and zest for life were such a huge part of her too. I feel lucky to have known her – Thank you for making that possible, Kathleen. – Mary Ellen Whitman
I had the privilege of meeting Barbara or as her granddaughter Claire called her Granny Baba in 2015 in San Diego. At that time I was caring for Claire during the day and Barbara would come down to spend time with Charlie his wife Sarah and their two girls Claire and Janelle as often as she could. The first time I met her I remember her beautiful smile and bright eyes. She put her arms around me as if we were old friends. It didn’t take many visits with her for me to learn how loving, kind and compassionate she was. She always spoke of her children and grandchildren with so much love and pride. She once said to me “Don’t ever let anything stop you from doing what makes you happy.” She truly lived a full and adventurous life. I will always remember her kindness and the way she had of making me feel so important and like a… Read more »
What a lovely, strong, and compassionate woman! I can attest that by knowing and being friends with her daughter Margaret who shares the same traits. God Bless her and her family.
Barbara was a wonderful, bright light in Hobbs, New Mexico. A wonderful parent, volunteer and friend. I am very thankful to have known her.
The tribute you’ve posted to her life is so beautiful.
Vaya con Dios.🙏🏻