Ollie "Ruth" Bell

Ollie “Ruth” Bell, a long time resident of Prague, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at the age of 87. Ruth was born on February 24, 1937 in Port Neches, Texas. She was the daughter of Harry Welby and Annie Myrtis (Smith) Gentz. She grew up in Port Neches, where she met and married Carl Vincent Bell on May 29, 1953. The couple raised four children and were happily married for more than 50 years when Carl preceded her in death on March 5, 2004.

Ruth was a military spouse and she and her family lived two stints in Japan from 1960 to 1964 and 1968 to 1970. Following their time in Japan, they were relocated to Tinker Air Force Base. Following their retirement, they made their home in Prague. Ruth worked for many years as a production engineer at Tinker Air Force Base until her retirement. Together, Ruth and Carl enjoyed traveling the country in their RV. They belonged to the Mobile Villa Club, an RV traveling club. They also enjoyed traveling the country and participating in horse shows, where they were proud to show their decorated Arabian Horse, Dan.

Ruth was always busy, she loved taking care of her beautiful gardens, especially her beloved rose bushes. Ruth was also a skilled wood worker and quilter. During her time in Japan, Ruth began working with lapidary where she made beautiful jewelry from stones and gems. She also developed the art of assembling Japanese dolls in their full dress Kimonos. When Ruth wasn’t working in the garden, or watching the birds, you would often find her taking in her favorite documentaries or western films. Ruth was a history buff and enjoyed traveling to America’s historical places and then sharing the stories with her family.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 50 years, Carl Vincent Bell; her beloved daughter, Tanya Dee Harding; two brothers, James Welby Smith and Harry Fred Gentz and three sisters, Iva Marie Jones, Rebecca Bertolio and Margaret Louise Smith.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Carl Vincent Bell Jr and his wife, Michelle; two daughters, Teri Jean Bauman and her husband, Paul and Cynthia Valerie Bell; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.