Ila "Maxine" Bell

ILA MAXINE BELL, Meeker, OK Ila Maxine Bell was born on February 23, 1934, to Sam and Amy (Leedy) Auxier in El Reno, OK., on her parent’s 5th wedding anniversary. She passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020, having reached the age of 86 Years, and 9 months. In 1936, her mother’s sister Lucia died leaving 8 children. Lucia left a letter requesting Maxine’s parents take Marlene, the youngest, and her older sister Mildred, to live with them, which they did. Marlene was only 9 months old, and Maxine 23 months, so Maxine claimed her as her little sister. Maxine attended 12 years of school at Hydro graduating in 1952. She attended Southwestern State College in Weatherford, OK, where she received a BS degree in Elementary Education and a Business Degree. She later returned to Southwestern where she obtained her Master of Teaching Degree in Elementary Education. She married F. Ray Bell a sales representative for a food brokerage. When he was transferred to the Tulsa area, she taught 5th and 6th grades in Leonard Public Schools for 18 years. After her husband’s death, she moved to Meeker to be closer to family. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Meeker and Meeker Historical Society. She was an avid reader and enjoyed downloading books on her Nook. She loved playing dominoes. She enjoyed traveling with Marlene and seeing many historical places that were offered by Village Tours and loved attending family reunions. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother-in-law, Homer Barnett. She is survived by a special sister Marlene Barnett; niece, Holly Skinner; nephew Kevin Barnett and wife Shelly, all of Meeker, OK.; Great-niece, Jenifer Johnson and husband Andy; great-nephew, Kevin O’Neil Barnett, and great-great niece, Avery Davis; Maxine is also survived by a step-daughter, Kay Cowden of Edmond; a step-grandson Tim Cowden and wife Monique; step granddaughter Deborah and husband Steve Hanska; and six great-great step-grandchildren. Viewing will be at Parks Brothers Meeker Chapel, 114 S. Fowler St, Meeker, OK, on Monday, November 30, 2020, from Noon to 8 p.m. Services will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 2:00 pm at Meeker First Baptist Church, 625 Loy St, Meeker OK with Pastor Joe Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Meeker New Hope Cemetery. Services are in the care of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague, Oklahoma.