The Life of MARY ANNETTE WOODARD BELL
Mary Annette Sampson Woodard Bell
1937-2013
Mary Annette Sampson Bell, age 76, went to be with the Lord August 22, 2013 at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Tulsa, with her husband Tim and son Jack at her side.
Mary was born to Irwin E. Sampson and Helen H. Hunter July 8, 1937 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her first husband Jack Woodard, then sheriff of Polk County, Des Moines, Iowa. Mary is survived by her husband Tim Bell and her children: Cynthia Stanchak and husband David of Pittsburgh, PA and Jack A. Woodard of Muskogee, OK.?? Mary leaves behind her grandchildren: Elise, Hunter and Aubrey Stanchak; Josh, Jake and Taylor Woodard. She also leaves behind two great-grandchildren. She is survived by her special Aunt Mary Winnie of Iowa City and her daughters, Penny Rembolt and Cheri Maybon-Lampman. Additionally, Mary had a close bond with her 1st cousin “DJ.” (Dr. John Freie). In her final days Tim, Jack Woodard, Tim’s sister Stephanie Bell, “DJ.” and wife Melody Freie, took special care of Mary as did her many friends and neighbors, as did Dr. Paul Hobbs of Tahlequah. David and Cynthia Stanchak were always there for support.
Mary used to joke about being an “I-wegian” — a contraction of Iowan with Norwegian blood. She was blond, blue-eyed gem even unto death ... she was so honest and steeped in her faith that she had the courage to tell it like it is — even about herself as she battled hard times in life. Then she would give that “little chuckle.” Mary had a heart of gold and helped many people. She was a foster mother to many orphans through Lutheran Social Services in her early adult life in Des Moines. ??Her relatives, children and grandchildren, and friends will miss that spunky little girl from Iowa immensely.??
In lieu of flowers and other gifts, donations can be made to The contributions can be sent to:
"Moore Life Ministry, in Memory of Mary Woodard Bell"
c/o Cynthia Dentel
First National Bank of Pennsylvania
12 Federal Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2013 10:00 AM at Highland Memory Gardens #1 NE 60th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313 .