Jeannette Elizabeth BellsMay 6, 1944 - February 28, 2012
It is with profound sadness that the family of Jeannette Elizabeth (nee Kopp) Bells of Watrous, SK, (and formerly of Humboldt, SK), announces her death, which occurred peacefully with her family at her side, at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. She was 67 years of age. Jeannette was born on May 6, 1944, to Hubert and Elizabeth (nee Toennies) Kopp in Humboldt. She was raised on her parents' mink ranch and dairy operation south of Humboldt. Jeannette fed mink, brought the cows home for milking and helped feed hired hands on the Kopp farm. She organized a "horse club" at a young age, played ball, and was on the HCI basketball team. After graduating, Jeannette attended Teacher's College in Saskatoon, and attained her Teaching Certificate. She married Arnold Bells, and supported his various business endeavours. Jeannette again lived on the Kopp home farm with Lee and Lesley by 1974. She was an avid fan of all the school band concerts and sport activities Lee and Lesley participated in. In her early years, "Jeannie" loved spending time with family and friends at Turtle Lake, on camping trips, and staying at her cabin at East Trout Lake. In more recent years, Jeannette's passion was watching her beloved Blue Jays, going dancing with her partner Bill Buhr, and attending spring training baseball games in Arizona. As Jeannette's health deteriorated in her later years, she focussed her energy on her grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments. Jeannette will be lovingly remembered by her son, daughter, and five grandchildren: Lee (Colleen) Bells of Watrous and family, Jaecy, Landon, Kloey and Carson; and Lesley Bells (Jordan Steenson) of Calgary, AB, and son Mathew; two sisters: Angeline (Bill) Hoksbergen of Prince George, BC, and Dolores (Gerald) Jaster of Middle Lake, SK, and their families, Jeanette Hoksbergen, David (Viemla) Hoksbergen, Dana (Ron) Senger, Jon Stepper, Tom Stepper, Morgan Jaster, (David's Family) Dianne (Lloyd) Pilla, Sandy Hembroff, and Jim Kopp; three in-laws of the Bells family: Wilfred (June) Bells of Kamloops, BC, Alan (Margaret) Bells of Regina, and Rita (Wally) Joa of Humboldt, and their families. She was predeceased by one grandson, Kane Steenson; parents, Hubert and Elizabeth (nee Toennies) Kopp; one brother, David Kopp; and by Arnold Bells and Bill Buhr. The Prayer Service for Jeannette was held at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, on Friday, March 2, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., led by Nestor Trach and organist Kathy Detillieux. Scripture readers were Dianne Pilla & Sandra Hembroff, and special music was provided by Kloey and Jaecy Bells. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., concelebrated by Fr. Emile April and Fr. Rheal Bussiere. Others taking part were: Meghan Senger, crossbearer; Tom Stepper and Colleen Bells, scripture readers; Brad Bells, intentions; Ron and Dana Senger and Paul Senger, giftbearers. Music ministry was provided by organist, Marie Aubin, the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir and Jaecy Bells. Honorary pallbearers were Landon Bells, Carson Bells and Mathew Greiner. Active pallbearers were Jason Joa, Terry Joa, Quentin Joa, Jim Kopp, Jon Stepper and Morgan Jaster. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery, Humboldt. Memorial donations may be directed to the Alberta Children's Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK, S0K 2A0.
