Maxine Marie Bell

Maxine Marie Bell of Unionville, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at her home, following a lingering illness. She was born July 26, 1918 in Ellington Township, the daughter of the late Archie Melzer and Estella (Vader) Thane, and was a lifelong area resident. Maxine was united in marriage with Arnold Bell on June 24, 1937. He preceded her in death on December 6, 2000. Maxine was employed at the Caro State Hospital as an Attendant Nurse for twenty-three years, retiring in 1981. She attended the Colling Church of the Nazarene for many years. She enjoyed reading, crocheting and making afghans. Maxine loved watching the Lawrence Welk Show, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune on television. Maxine is survived by four children, Donna Austin, Barbara & DeWayne Austin, David & Phyllis Bell, Sue & Jim Heckman, all of Unionville; fifteen grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Priscilla Bell-Lewis; two sisters-in-law, Ramona Thane of Caro and Loretta Thane of Cass City; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Janet in 1956; two sons, William in 1968 and Garry in 1997; three brothers, Harold, Willis and Garth Thane; three sisters, Edwina Clark, Gladys Timko-Sykes and Catherine Fader. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Brad Petitt officiating. Burial will follow in Almer Township Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Colling Church of the Nazarene or Heartland Hospice. The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Heartland Hospice for the care and compassion they provided to their mother. Visitation Information Date: Thursday, April 4, 2013 Time: 3:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Friday, April 5, 2013 Time: 11:00 am Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Brad Petitt officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Friday, April 5, 2013 Almer Township Cemetery Caro, MI 48723