Wife of Villa Park Councilman Dies : Karen Ann Bell Did Much Volunteer Work in Community

Karen Ann Bell, wife of City Councilman Bob Bell, died Wednesday of complications from the treatment of ovarian cancer. She was 56.

Mrs. Bell was well known in the small, close-knit community, particularly for her work with the Women’s League. Bob Bell said Friday that the community will remember her “as being a very friendly person,” one willing “to help anybody at any time. She was top of the line.”

She was a professional interior designer who had decorated many homes in Villa Park. Her community work also included helping the city’s volunteer Fire Department auxiliary coordinate private and school-run athletic programs for soccer, baseball and football, among other sports.

“She was a great outdoors gal--loved to go to the mountains” as well as train and ride her show horse, Satin Doll, the councilman said. Her favorite places to visit included Lake Arrowhead and Santa Catalina Island.

Karen Bell was born in Los Angeles but spent her early childhood in Honolulu. She later moved with her family to Orange County. The Bells married in 1952, and they moved to Villa Park in 1974.

There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church, 161 S. Orange St., Orange, and a graveside service at Fairhaven Memorial Park afterward.

Karen Bell is also survived by two sons, a daughter, and two grandchildren.