Kansas City, MO - Ann Bell, 101, formerly of Clinton, Iowa, died quietly on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Grace Ann Cleaveland was born in 1923 in Detroit, Michigan. While attending Wayne State University she met Robert Bell from Cheboygan, Michigan. And that was that. They married at Camp Ellis, Illinois, in 1943 before Bob went to the South Pacific during WWII. After the war, they moved to Houghton, Michigan, where Bob finished his studies at Michigan College of Mining and Technology. (Now Michigan Technological University.)

In the early years of marriage, they moved seven times while Bob advanced in his career. Ann and Bob and their four children moved to Clinton, Iowa, in 1966 when Bob was employed by the Collis Company. Ann and Bob were very active at Zion Lutheran Church serving on numerous committees over the years.

Ann felt volunteering was a way to learn about the community and meet people. She volunteered at Jane Lamb Hospital, the United Way, Mobile Meals, PEO and was President of the Clinton YWCA. In 1986, Ann was recognized as a YM Woman of Action.

As her children were growing up, she was active with scout troops, participated in PTA, hosted exchange students, and opened their house to many visitors. Ann and Bob loved to travel across the U.S and Europe. Ann was a stylish dresser, a savvy bridge partner and created a lovely home for her family.

In 2021, Ann's daughters moved her to Kansas City, Missouri. Ann leaves behind four children, Christine Bell of Kansas City, Missouri, Todd Bell and wife Jane of Bonita Springs, Florida, David Bell and wife Janette of Phoenix, Arizona, and Cynthia Bell and husband Klaus Schmidt of Kansas City; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews across the country, as well as honorary AFS son Thomas Koch of Basel, Switzerland. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert (2006), brother Joseph, brothers- and sisters-in-law and two nephews.

A private family service will be in Michigan in the fall.