Vera Bell
Vera J. Bell, 97, of Bourbon, MO, passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan.
Vera Jane was born on October 11, 1923 in Sullivan, Missouri, to Marion Albert and Adele Elizabeth (Donati) Berti, one of eight children. She attended and graduated from Sullivan High School, class of 1941. Vera was united in marriage to Robert Sparrell Austin on February 15, 1947 and they were blessed with two sons, Michael and Mark. Robert preceded Vera in death while he was serving in the United States Navy.
On June 7, 1969, Vera married Marvin Bell, and she welcomed four step-children into her family. In 1972, Marvin and Vera built their home on Oak Haven Lane, where Vera remained until her passing. Vera was employed by the former Dickey Bub Shop and managed Vans Dress Shop. Vera was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan. She will be missed by her family and many friends.
Vera is survived by one of her sons, Michael Austin, of Bourbon, MO; daughter-in-law, Barbara Austin, of Austin, TX; four step-children: Terry Bell of Dumfries, VA, Sharon Key of Sullivan, MO, Carreen Mincemeyer and husband, Bob, of Sullivan, MO, and Sally Weeks of Bourbon, MO; two grandchildren, Nick and Elizabeth Austin; one great-grandson, Frederick Austin; as well as nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Sparrell Austin; her second husband, Marvin Bell; one son, Mark Austin; her parents, Marion and Adele Berti; five brothers: Louis, Victor (wife, Geraldine), Norman (wife, Nadine), Bryan (wife, Tillie) and Frederick (wife, Alberta) Berti; two sisters, Lena (husband, Lewis) Krist and Norma (husband, Pete) Carollo.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with Pastor Brenda Strobbe officiating. Interment will follow in I.O.O.F. Cemetery – Sullivan.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, prior to the service at Eaton Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Swan Songs at www.swansongs.org.
Online condolences may be shared with Vera’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.