Virginia Ruth Eberhardt Lemery Bell was born on June 22, 1916 in Racine, Wisconsin, the oldest daughter of Waldemar and Elsa (Goeman) Eberhardt and died June 8, 2009. She was baptized in July of 1916 and confirmed on Palm Sunday in 1930 at St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, Racine Wisconsin. She attended eight grades at St. John's Lutheran School and graduated from William Horlick High School in 1934. She was a member of the National Honor Society.

In April of 1939, she married Omer W. Lemery, son of Dr. Benjamin & Muriel Lemery of Waukegan, Ill. He died in August of 1942. On June 24, 1944, Virginia married C.P.O. Charles Arthur Bell, son of Charley and Mary Ann Bell of Fort Scott, Kansas. They were married for 60 years. Charles preceded her in death on November 3, 2004.

Prior to retirement, Virginia worked at Dodge City Community College and Washburn University. She was active in the Lutheran Church all of her life and was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Dodge City, Kansas, as well as its Mary Martha Guild and the "Knot Sew New" Quilters. She was a former 4-H Club, Cub Scout, and Girl Scout Leader.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Marcia Snepp and husband Dean of Topeka, and Mrs. Arlyce J. Riedl and husband James of Portland, Oregon; two sons, Ronald D. Bell and wife Alice of Dodge City, and James A. Bell and wife Susan of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; one brother, Eugene Eberhardt and wife Irene of Racine, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Mrs. Carol Heck of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Funeral service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Dodge City, on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Randall Jahnke presiding. Burial will follow at Greencrest Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Friday, June 12, 2009 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Memorials can be made to Lutheran Hour or Holy Cross Lutheran Church Building Fund in care of the funeral home. Personal Condolences may be left at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.