Christine Marie Bell
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While at Whatcom Hospice, following a month-and-half battle at Skagit Valley Hospital and St. Joes PeaceHealth (Bellingham), with her husband by her side holding her hand, Christine Marie Bell gracefully went to be with her Lord - one hour and forty minutes after midnight on 24. July 2022.
Christine was born 19. October 1945 in Port Townsend, WA. to Kenneth and Ruth Eldridge. Growing up on the family dairy farm in Sequim, she treasured her parents, her two sisters (Elizabeth the oldest and Shirley the youngest) and her childhood. Some of her fondest, and most comical memories, were of helping her dad on the farm.
After graduating from Sequim High School (Class of 1963), Christine's family moved from the Olympic Peninsula to Skagit Valley. She attended college classes at Western and Skagit. It was here, in Skagit Valley, where she met her future husband of nearly 56 years - Gerald Bell of La Conner. Christine and Gerald were married 6. August 1966 in Skagit Valley and have two children Knut (1973) and Kimberly (1979).
Over the years Christine worked as a sales clerk at Knudsen's clothing store, Bonnie's Bookstore, and was Secretary at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Sedro-Woolley. She was a full-time homemaker, mother, and a devoted Towboat Captain's wife for over 50 years. Christine spent her life in service to the churches she attended, helping with Children's Orthopedic Hospital events and numerous other charitable fundraisers and activities. She played handbells in the church choir and was a fervent advocate/supporter of Truth, Liberty, the Military, those who Served, Native Americans, and her Special Furry Animal friends.
While Christine loved the Lord, her husband, her children, her family, and her friends with all her heart - in later years, it was her three granddaughters that brought her heart the greatest joy. She was an outstanding and loving Grandmother.
Christine is survived by her husband of near 56 years - Gerald, her son Knut, her daughter Kimberly (Fernando Ruiz), granddaughters Annali, Rahni, and Ava, sister Shirley (Brown), sister-in-law Betty (Brand), brother-in-law Roger Nelson and numerous nieces and nephews whom she very much loved as her own.
Christine was preceded in death by her parents (Kenneth and Ruth), her parents-in-law (Robert and Helga), sister Elizabeth and brother-in-law Morris Hassan, brother-in-law Jim Brand, brother-in-law John Brown, and most recently sister-in-law Roberta (Nelson).
There will be a public Graveside Service at 1:00 PM on 19. August 2022 at Bay View Cemetery located north of Bayview State Park at 12496 Bayview Cemetery Road, Mount Vernon. The family invites you to fellowship, food, and refreshments (old-time sherbet punch) following afterward at the Bay View Civic Hall located in the town of Bay View (12615 C Street).
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following that Christine supported: La Conner High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, Green Beret Foundation or Lakota Circle.org. Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.
You may offer your condolences and share memories of Christine with her family online at www.kernfuneralhome.com.