Shirley Mae (Gabel) Bell

Shirley was born on September 28, 1936 to Gottlieb and Pauline (Maier) Gabel on the family farm in Fort Lupton, CO.    

She attended Fort Lupton Schools and graduated in 1954.  Shirley worked in Denver after graduating from High School and then married Charles Bell on January 21, 1956.  Four children were born to the couple - Theresa Tucker (Tim Roy) of Smith Falls, Canada, Mark Bell of Fort Lupton, Kristine (Bob) Gronquist of Greeley, CO and Maureen (Tim) Medved of Littleton, CO.  Along with three grandchildren - Jeremiah Tucker (Oui) of Longmont, CO, Nicholas Medved of Littleton, CO , Abigail Medved of Littleton, CO.  and one great grandchild, Lily Tucker.    

Shirley and Cecil farmed for 50 years in the Fort Lupton area before retiring in town.  While raising a family Shirley worked at many jobs in the community including as a teacher’s aide in the Fort Lupton School system.  She also volunteered for many years with her church.  Shirley enjoyed reading, watching reality shows, listening to music with her favorite being Elvis and getting together with her family.

She is survived by two sisters,  Patricia (Jerry) Glynn of Brighton, CO and Maxine Hilderbrand of Amarillo, TX, and one brother, Leroy Gabel of Amarillo, TX. Along with many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Charles Cecil Bell, her parents, two sisters, Joann Brokaw and Jeanette Reiva, and one brother, Richard Gabel. Also two brothers and one sister in childhood.

 In keeping with Shirley’s wishes, a private memorial will be held for the immediate family in the spring to lay her to rest with her husband, Charles, at the Fort Lupton Hillside Cemetery.  Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to make a donation to the American Lung Association.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Mae (Gabel) Bell, please visit our floral store.