LEAH WATERMAN BELL KELLOGG

LEAH WATERMAN BELL KELLOGG Leah Waterman Bell Kellogg, age 91, passed peacefully in her sleep at her home in Santa Fe on Thursday, June 9, 2011. On Sunday, June 12, 2011, at 2 p.m., she will be presented as one of Santa Fe's Living Treasures at the United Church of Santa Fe at 1804 Arroyo Chamiso. She is predeceased by her parents, Max & Bessie Waterman; her brothers, Philip and Mathew Waterman; her husbands: Gerald Bell and Arden Kellogg; and her son, Dano Bell. Leah Waterman was born in Alberta, Canada, and the family eventually settled in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1940, she graduated from the University of Saskatchewan as a Dietician. While working in Los Angeles, CA, a US Army recruiter gave a presentation and asked who would volunteer to serve. Leah raised her hand. She entered the US Army as a 1st. Lt. in 1943. After assignment in France, she was sent to Bruns General Hospital. Her description of the first morning here, truly summarized her life long love of Santa Fe: "The moment I saw the brilliant proud morning shine high over the deserts of Santa Fe, something stood still in my soul and I started to attend." In Santa Fe Leah met her love, Gerald Bell and his family. She chose to become an American citizen here. She and Gerald married and had 3 children: Barbara, Morris, and Dan (Dano deceased). After Gerald's death in 1965, she married Arden Kellogg and was adopted by his daughters: Audre (deceased), Louise and Norma, and their families. She was active and worked tirelessly in the Santa Fe Jewish Community. She participated with the founding families and the development and expansion of Temple Beth Shalom and Congregation Beit Tikva. She was devoted to Santa Fe Chapter of Hadassah and was rewarded by being named as Woman of the Year in 1980. She felt one of two greatest community achievements for the benefit of all Santa Feans, was her service as a chairman of the Jail Advisory Board. Her efforts, along with others, resulted with the passing of the bond election, and the subsequent building of a facility that was safe for the inmates, staff, and the community. Another lasting gift of Leah's efforts, was the formation of the Rape Crisis Center. Some of Leah's happiest times were spent with her family, in her garden, dancing with the Scarlet Ladies, and playing bridge. Leah is survived by her daughter, Barbara and son-in-law, Armon LaMont; her granddaughter, Leona Trang and husband, Steve, and their son, Brandon; and her son, Morris Bell; her sister and brother-in-law, Ethel and Saul Gelfand; and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews in Canada. Lance and Jon Bell and their families were frequent visitors and provided support and frequent visits with Leah throughout the years. Donations can be made to Congregation Beit Tikva, P.O. Box 24094, Santa Fe, NM 87505; Santa Fe Chapter of Hadassah, c/o C. Pava, 261 Plaza Canada, Santa Fe, NM 87501; or P.M.S. Hospice Center, 1400 Chama Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Services will be at held at Congregation Beit Tikva, 2230 Old Pecos Trail, on Wednesday, June 15, at 10:30 a.m., followed by military service at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at 12:30 p.m. The Kellogg family has entrusted their loved one to: The Rivera Family of Santa Fe Funeral Options 417 East Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Santafefuneraloption.com