Verna K. Bell, 91, Minot, died Wednesday, November 11, 2009 in a Minot Nursing Home.

Verna was born June 17, 1918 on the family farm in Manfred Township of Wells County, North Dakota, the daughter of Fred and Barbara (Werlinger) Goedecke. She was raised there and attended country schools in that area, until her family moved to Minot. She graduated from Minot High School in 1937.

During her younger years, she was employed at Kresge's Dime Store.

Verna was united in marriage to Weston Bell on March 13, 1941 at Minot. They made their home in Cheyenne, WY and Seattle, WA, while Weston was stationed in the military during World War II. Following his discharge in 1945, they returned to Minot, where she assisted him in the operation of the family business, Bell Communications, with much of the bookkeeping duties. The family spent many of their summers at Lake Metigoshe. Verna and Weston retired in 1983, and had enjoyed spending many of their winters in Arizona. Weston died May 14, 1989. Verna continued to make her home in Minot.

Verna was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church, Minot, where she was also active with Church Circle groups. She was also a former member of the Minot Country Club and several local Bridge clubs.

She was an avid golfer and bridge player, and enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers. She especially enjoyed chocolate.

Her loving family includes : children: Gary (Judy) Bell, Minot, Greg (Barb) Bell, Minot, Deborah Santoro, York, SC and Pamela (Richard) Rodman, Minot; grandchildren: Jeri (James) Lafferty, Rondi Bell, Jason (Gina) Santoro, Stewart Bell, Aaron (Theresa) Santoro, Juston (Katie) Rodman, Ashley Rodman; great-grandchildren: Bud, Logan, Cody, Avia, Noah, Aaron, Michael, Isabella, Sophia and Taylor.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters, Mathilda Sorenson and Eileen Casey, brother, Nels Goedecke and son-in-law: Albert Santoro.

Funeral service: Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Friday from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family prefers memorials to the First Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast Fund.