grave import

Obituary

Arline Virginia Bell, 90, of Burlington, died at Great River Klein Center in Burlington, Iowa, on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 4:15 a.m. Born on April 29, 1919, in Burlington, Iowa, she was the daughter of George and Adelia Brandes Mellinger. Arline graduated from Burlington High School in 1937. She was a secretary for Benner Tea Co. IAAP, Zion United Church of Christ, and finally at Stacey Intermediate School in Westminster, California, where she retired in 1978. She was a member of Benner Girls, Kings Daughters Circle, and Eastern Star EC Blackmoor #306. Arline's first love was her family. She treasured playing games and music with her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, cooking and baking. She taught Sunday School for over 20 years, and was involved with many church activities, including Zion Baby Quilters. Paul Edward Bell, 88, of Burlington, died at Great River Klein Center in Burlington, Iowa, on Saurday, March 20, 2010, at 11:45 a.m. Born on October 16, 1921, in Burlington, Iowa, he was the son of Frank and Leona Martin Bell. Paul graduated from Burlington High School in 1939. He served in the Army Signal Corps, being stationed in Germany and England during World War II. He was employed by Benner Tea Co., then served as a Contract Administrator for the Army at IAAP. He later wrote contracts for the Navy and Air Force before retiring in 1975. He was a member of R.S.V.P., NARFE, VFW, American Legion, Des Moines Co. Eastern Star, EC Blackmoor #306, Shriners, A & A Scottish Rite, Moose International, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Des Moines Local #1 AF & AM as a 32nd degree Free Mason. He was active in Boy Scouts, coached Little League, and was on many church committees. Paul Bell and Arline Mellinger married on April 21, 1942, at Zion United Church of Christ in Burlington, Iowa, where they were both lifelong members. Both Paul and Arline enjoyed visiting family and friends while traveling the United States and Canada in their Winnebago, a relaxing diversion they participated in for 25 years. They also loved spending winters in Florida. Paul and Arline Bell are survived by one daughter, Debbie (Jim) Ritters of Burlington; one son, David (Barb) Bell of Birmingham, Alabama; four grandchildren, PJ Ritters of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Theresa Ritters of Burlington, Iowa, Denise (David) Bivin of Birmingham, Alabama, and Dawn (Lee) Higginbotham of Birmingham, Alabama; four great-grandchildren, Jake and Carley Bivin, and Luke and Hunter Higginbotham, all of Birmingham, Alabama; and special furry friends Gus and Leo. Arline was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Warren (Bus) Mellinger. Paul was preceded in death by his wife Arline by seven hours. His parents also preceded him in death. Funeral services for Paul and Arline Bell will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion United Church of Christ. Pastor Jane Willan and Pastor Jim Ritters will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Military rites for Paul will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Public Masonic Rites will be conducted in Prugh's Chapel on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. following which the family will receive friends until 7:30 p.m. Memorials have been established for Zion United Church of Christ and Great River Klein Center.