Bell, Edith (Cannon) 1889-1945

BELL, CANNON, BRUCE

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 2/22/2005 at 20:01:27

Mrs. Ira Bell Dies at 56
Prolonged Illness Fatal to Newton Gold Star Mother; Rites Pending
Edith Grace Cannon Bell

Mrs. Ira A. Bell, 56, resident of Newton for 22 years and mother of the late Sgt. Robert M. Bell who was killed in Belgium action, died of a malignant ailment at 5:30 a.m., today in Skiff Memorial hospital. In failing health for the past two years, during which she had undergone surgery and treatment in the State University of Iowa hospital, she entered the local hospital Feb. 9, less than two weeks after memorial services were held for her son, Sergeant Bell, an infantryman who was killed Jan. 7. Her condition had been critical for several days.

Husband, Three Children

Surviving are here husband, a Maytag factory employee, and three children, Pvt. Edgar Bell of Fort Lewis, Wash., who left Tuesday after having been called here by his mother's illness; Ruby, a senior student in Newton High school; and Max, 15, a sophomore student in the local high school.

Also surviving are two daughters-in law, Mrs. Edgar Bell of Newton and Mrs. Robert M. Bell of Des Moines; grandchildren, Sandra Kay and Larry Bell, both of Newton and one brother, George Cannon, of Newton.

In addition to the son, Robert, she was preceded in death in 1919, by a son and daughter, Albert, 5, and Eva, 3, who died of influenza during the epidemic and in 1938 by a sister, Mrs. Florence Twombley.

Taught School

Edith Grace (Cannon) Bell was born Jan. 8, 1899, in Poweshiek county, one of three children of the late John and Eva (Bruce) Cannon. In her early childhood the family moved to a farm in the Metz community, Jasper county where she grew to early womanhood. She attended Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, returning to Jasper county to teach in the rural schools for six years.

On Dec. 25, 1913, she was married to Mr. Bell at her parent's home near Metz. The couple resided on a farm until 1923 when they moved to Newton. The Bell home is at 202 East Second street South.

Mrs. Bell was an active member of the Newton First Methodist church, was a past-president of the J.O.C. Sunday School class and a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service of that church.

Funeral arrangements are pending word from Private Edgar Bell who is expected to return for the services. ~ Newton Daily News, March 3, 1945, page 1
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FINAL SERVICES HELD TUESDAY FOR MRS. BELL

Services were held Tuesday at 2 o'clock in the Murdoch Funeral home for Mrs. Ira A. Bell, who succumbed Saturday in the Skiff Memorial hospital, Mrs. Bell had been in failing health for the past two years, during which she had undergone surgery and treatment in the State University of Iowa hospital.

She was admitted to the local hospital in less than two weeks after memorial services were held for her son, Sergeant Robert M. Bell, who was killed in action in Belgium.

Pall bearers were, John Hitchler, Homer Clement, Elmer Lind, George Herwehe, Harve Jennings and John C. Donnal. Dr. Loren M. Edwards, pastor of the First Methodist church, of which Mrs. Bell was an active member, was in charge and interment was in the Sugar Grove cemetery.

During the services, Mrs. Maurice Rodgers sang "In the Garden" and "Rock of Ages," accompanied by Mrs. R.L. Jackson at the organ. Mrs. EE Hesson and Mrs. Allan Blair were in charge of the floral arrangements.

Edit Grace Cannon was born on January 8 1889 in Poweshiek county to John and Eva (Bruce) Cannon. In her early childhood the family moved to a farm in the Metz community, where she grew to womanhood.

She attended the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls and taught in Jasper county rural schools for six years. On Christmas Day, 1913, she was united in marriage to IRa A. Bell, and in 1923 they moved to Newton. To this union were born six children, three of whom survive. In addition to Robert, she was preceded in death by a son and daughter, Albert, 5, and Eva, 3, who died in 1919 and a sister Mrs. Florence Twombley.

Surviving are, her husband, two sons, Pvt. Edgar Bell of Fort Lewis, Washington, who returned to Newton for the services and Max, 15, a sophomore student in the local high school, one daughter, Ruby, a senior student, two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Edgar Bell of Newton, and Mrs. Robert M. Bell of Des Moines, two grandchildren, Sandra Kay and Larry bell, both of Newton and one brother, George Cannon also of here.

Mrs. Bell was a past president of J.O.C. Sunday School class of the First Methodist church and a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service. Out-of-town relatives and friends attending the services were, Mrs. Clyde Wallace of Cambridge, Ohio, Dr. J.H. Bruce of Ft. Dodge, Mr. and Mrs. Ed McHarg of Brooklyn, Mrs. Ella Bollehoefer of Marshalltown, Mary Rockafellow of West Liberty, and Mr. and Mrs. Merle Somers, Helen McCommonn and Winona. ~ Newton Daily News March 10, 1945