Michael Bell (Mike 49)

Michael Lawrence Bell, 50

Michael Lawrence Bell died on January 18, 2010, at his home in Gilbert, AZ, following a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Mike was born September 10, 1959 in Phoenix, AZ to Alan and Imogene Bell. He served in the United States Army from 1976 to 1979 and was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He received a Master of Health Service Administration from Arizona State University in 1989. Mike was employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for more than twenty years in various health care administration roles.

Mike married the love of his life, the former Jennifer Walker, of Big Spring, TX, on February 29th 2008. In June 2008 he became a father when he adopted Jennifer’s sons. Mike loved being a father and was very active in his children’s lives throughout his lengthy illness. He would often receive chemotherapy and attend one of his children’s many extracurricular activities the same day. Mike treasured his time with his children and believed that fatherhood was his greatest achievement. Uncle Mike loved his nieces and nephews and took great pride in all their accomplishments.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents.

Mike is survived by his wife Jennifer Bell and sons Patrick Bell, Timothy Bell and stepdaughter Addison Elliott all of Gilbert, AZ; sisters, Alana Bell-Dittrich and her husband Richard Dittrich of Gilbert, AZ, Laela Quinn and her husband Gary of Carrolton, TX, Jean Agan and her husband Floyd of Cave Creek, AZ, ; father-in-law Wayne Walker of Big Spring, TX, mother-in-law Sharon Wadley of Childress, TX; nieces, Jorji Coleman of Gilbert, AZ , Irene Owen of Seattle, WA, Crystal Veiock of Henderson, NV; nephews, Dr. Charles Quinn of Dallas, TX and Jason Massey, U.S. Navy Seal of Virginia and loving extended family and friends.

Interment will be Friday January 29th at 2:00 p.m. at the VA National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of the Valley or the American Cancer Society. The family would like to thank Dr. Rami Sarid for the compassionate and professional care that he provided throughout Mike’s illness. The family would also like to thank the caring staff of Hospice of the Valley.