Bette Bell, 100, of Overland Park, KS, formerly of Winfield, KS, passed away on December 25, 2019 at the Forum of Overland Park, where she had lived since 2013.

Bette was born March 4, 1919 in Topeka, KS, the fourth of five children. Her parents were Joseph and Gladys Limes. She grew up in Wichita, where she attended Hamilton Elementary and Wichita East High School.

She began her working life making milkshakes at a local ice cream parlor. Later, she worked as a realtor, advertising salesperson and airplane construction worker.

Her first marriage was to Elvin Ruckle, also from Wichita. They had three children together—David, Lynne and Lark. After that marriage ended, she married Ralph Bell of Geuda Springs, KS in 1970. They lived first on his farm at Rainbow Bend, then moved to Cherokee Village, AR, and back to Winfield in 1982.

Bette took part in numerous activities and organizations, most notably Sweet Adelines. In addition to singing, she enjoyed painting, crocheting, needlepoint, and writing stories about her life. She loved spending time with family and friends and was the life of every party. She was also a devoted Jayhawk basketball fan!

She particularly enjoyed spending time with her great grandchildren—reading, playing, giving hugs and making them laugh. Her sense of humor was a delight to all who knew her.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her son David, and her four siblings, Kent and Warren Chesboro, Paul Limes and Gladys Schmitt.

She is survived by her daughter Lark, and husband Randy Mason of Prairie Village, KS; her daughter Lynne and husband Roger King of Oklahoma City; her grandchildren Ian Mason and wife Rita Carr; granddaughter Alana Hargrave and husband Brad; and grandson Chris King and wife Bobbi Bailey; as well as her great grandchildren Isla, Owen and Mason David Hargrave and step-granddaughter Meredith Mollman.

Bette also remained close to her niece Metta McClelland and nephews Phil Pfister and Alan (Scooter) Limes and their families.

Funeral services will be held at Miles Funeral Home, 4001 E. 9th St. in Winfield, on Saturday, January 4th at 10 AM, with interment in Highland Cemetery afterward.

A memorial has been established in Bette's name for reStart in Kansas City.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home or by following this link https://restartinc.org/get-involved/donate/