Marlene Ann Bell passed away on August 9, 2022, from head trauma from a fall. She was born on September 2, 1932, in Morris, Minnesota to Matthew Puetz and Evelyn Margaret Lewis. She grew up on a farm and frequently referred to herself as a “Minnesota Farm Girl.”

After high school she moved to Hawthorne, CA, where she fell in love with and married Virgil Laird Bell in 1958. She lived most of her life in the same home in Garden Grove, CA. She moved to Auburn, CA, in 2021 to be closer to her daughter Sandy and her family.

Laird and Marlene were married for 53 years and demonstrated a deep devotion for each other. We cherish our memories of them having fun together. Marlene enjoyed traveling for many years during retirement. Along with her husband Laird, she loved driving across the United States in their “Bounder” motorhome.

Even in her later years as a widow she was enthusiastic about trips to go to graduations, sports and robotics events, special occasions, and family weekends. She was always a good sport to hop on an airplane, ride electric scooters, and crawl into electric carts, well into her 80s.

Marlene had such faith. She was a strong Christian and devoted Catholic. During her final days she asked for a priest to come, and she enjoyed participating in Holy Communion her entire life. She was a member of St. Polycarp in Stanton, CA from 1961 to 2021 and a member of St. Teresa of Avila in Auburn, CA from 2021 to 2022.

Marlene was a devoted mom and careful homemaker. She worked hard to serve balanced meals for her family, kept her home tidy and clean, and she sewed clothing, curtains, and housewares. Her needlework, quilting, and crochet stiches were incredibly precise.

She was always organized and kept a detailed calendar. Marlene was on time and on schedule every day. On family camping trips, her organization and careful planning were evident. Even at the end of her life she wanted to see the calendar and know what was on the schedule.

Marlene was friendly, but reserved and classy. She was very good at many things, but never told anyone how talented she was. She was forgiving and kind. She especially loved her bunco friends in Garden Grove and her caregivers in Auburn. Her favorite card game was “65” and she frequently won because of her strong analysis and careful attention.

When we think of Marlene (aka MarMar), we will learn from her love and example. Although we mourn her passing, we are grateful she is free from her struggles. Her deep faith carried her through to her last day.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband “Laird.” She leaves behind Sandra (Bill) Colditz and Kristen (David) DeTienne, Zack Puetz and Bob Sansone; her grandchildren Ryan Colditz, Kelley (Matt) Davis, Michael DeTienne, and Elizabeth DeTienne; and her three great-grandchildren, Sage Colditz and Anders and Norah Davis. She was proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who love and will miss her dearly.

The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on August 13, at St. Teresa of Avila’s Church in Auburn, CA. In lieu of flowers, please hug your family and tell them how much you love them.

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