Kathleen M. Bell

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Bell, 65, of Westminster, CO, passed away on August 31, 2022. She was born on October 25, 1956, in Olean, NY, to parents James “Jim” and Margaret “Peg” Messer.

Raised in a home bustling with children, Kathy developed a strong will, attention to detail, appreciation of order, and a creative spirit. She loved to play in the woods near her rural home with her many siblings and neighbor friends. She graduated from Allegany Central School, class of 1974, and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fredonia State University where she met the love of her life, John Bell. They were married soon after graduation, honeymooned at Niagara Falls, and immediately moved to Fort Collins, CO, for her exciting new job at Hewlett-Packard. Her analytical mind and attention to detail helped her excel as a technical writer and then later as an accountant for John’s business. After leaving the workforce to raise her two children, her skills and giftings were poured into the people around her. She was generous with her time, always willing to help solve a problem, research a topic, edit a paper, help with a plan, or figure out the perfect gift. Despite her petite stature and kind demeanor, she was fiercely competitive and would cheer loudly for any Colorado sports team. In college, she played volleyball and later in life took up tennis. She was lightning fast at the card game “spit” and would gloat with just a smile as others looked in disbelief after another win. She loved gardening, was always reading, was a prolific seamstress, and was the ultimate fixer. Kathy specialized in the repair and reconstruction of her grandchildren’s most beloved clothes and toys. Her grandkids treasured all their time with “Grammy” and especially loved bedtime. She would say yes when they would ask her to just read one more book and then would sing them to sleep and rub their back. Because of her love for Jesus Christ and her faith in His goodness, Kathy faced life’s peaks and valleys with enduring peace. Her primary prayer was that those around her would come to know and love Jesus.

Kathy spent 43 loving years married to John Bell. She is survived by daughter Margaret “Peggy” (Matt) Haddad, son Mark (Annie) Bell, six grandchildren - Halle 7, Willie 7, Hazel 5, Mary 5, James 2, Charlie 7 mo, eight beloved siblings - Barbara Messer, Nancy (John) Ames, Lynn (Jeffrey) Brook, Richard Messer, Daniel Messer, Mark (Linda) Messer, Julie (Paul) Wilson, Carol (Jeff) Davidson, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A funeral for Kathy will be held on Thursday, September 8th, 2022 at Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette. A viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. and run until 10:30 a.m. Her funeral service will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. and was streamed live. All are welcome to join in gathering at her graveside after the service at Broomfield County Commons Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest. Following the graveside, a buffet lunch reception will be held at The Ranch Country Club in Westminster starting at 1:00 p.m. Please follow the signs directing to the Club House.

Please consider making a donation in Kathy's name to Flatirons Academy.