"I was a young lady of about 16 when I met Joanne, she was running the CETA program in Ames and she got me a job with the Marine Corps recruiter as a secretary. I was living in a little trailer on Lincoln Way, surviving on the $1.60 an hour that job earned me. I adored her and thru the trials and tribulations that period of my life was filled with, she was always there with the next step, she helped me go to college, she let me clean her house for extra money. I have looked for her off and on over the years, so that I could show her what her investment of time and money got me. I will now never be able to tell her how much she means to me. She changed my life!"
In loving memory of
Joanne Frances Bell
May 26, 1932 - April 17, 2012
Joanne Frances (Janes) Groomes Bell, 79 of Nevada died on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at the Story County Senior Care in Nevada. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24 in the Memorial Lutheran Church, 701 11th Street in Nevada with Pastor David Burling officiating. Burial of the cremains will be held in the Cambridge Cemetery.
Joanne was born on May 26, 1932 in Marshalltown to Theodore and Frances (Wiese) Janes. She was a 1950 graduate of Collins High School. Joanne was united in marriage to Glen J. Groomes on June 5, 1950 in State Center. They later divorced and she married Albert Arnold (Arnie) Bell on May 25, 1973 in Ames. Joanne loved spending time with her grandchildren, camping, and fishing.
Joanne is survived by a daughter, Denice Groomes of Nevada; two sons, Steve (Sandi) Groomes of St. Clare, MO and Brent Groomes of Cedar Falls; daughter-in-law, Joni Liston Groomes; three step-sons, Kyle Bell of California, Kevin Bell of Colo, and Keith Bell; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; a brother Ron Janes of Collins; and a sister Judy Bishop of Indianola.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Glen Groomes on June 19, 2009 and Arnie Bell on June 9, 1996, a son Kevin Groomes on November 2, 1991, and a son-in-law Rod Renfeldt.
A memorial fund has been established in loving memory of Joanne.
Chet Ryan Mortuary in Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Joanne and her family.
Tributes
"I have so many wonderful memories of Joanne. What a great lady! She was always laughing (and her laugh is what I will remember most). To the end, she always knew how to have a good time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Joanne will be in my heart always!"
"My condolences go out to Denice and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. "
"My sincere condolances to Denice and her brothers. "