Bell, Clare Ray, born January 2, 1940 in Evart, passed away July 7, 2010 at home with his family at his side after a short courageous battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
He graduated from Evart High School in 1958. He then served in the US Army from 1958-1961, stationed in Chicago and Alaska as an M.P. On August 24, 1962 he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Sorensen. They lived in Evart, later moved to Flint where Clare worked for General Motors, retiring in 1986. Clare and Betty moved to Kalkaska in 1994. Clare loved sports, NASCAR, hunting with his brothers at deer camp in Evart, fishing, and he also played a vicious hand of Euchre. He loved to spend time with his family at home sitting around the campfire.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 47 years Betty; daughters, Angela (Ron) DeHate of Kalkaska, Amy (Kurt) Melwing of Chesaning, Melissa (Greg) Haun of Rochester Hills, Mandie Latture and special friend Craig Hoisington of Grand Blanc; son Mike (Geri) Oakwood of Grand Haven; grandchildren, Amanda, Jacob, Mackenzie, Keeley, Austin, and Evan; brothers Russ, Carl, Don, Herb, and Bob; sisters, Grace and Christy.
Clare was preceded in death by his parents, Ray & Helen (Frederickson) Bell; brother, Charlie; and sisters Iris and Hazel.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 9th from 1:00 until 4:00 pm and 6:00 until 9:00 pm at Wolfe-ONeill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Saturday at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements were made by Wolfe-ONeill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.
