Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1947
DIED
2025
Judy Bell Obituary
April 19, 1947 – September 5, 2025
Judy was born on April 19,1947 in Bakersfield, California and left this world peacefully on September 5, 2025 in Springfield, Missouri.
She spent her younger years on a farm near Old River where her father was the foreman. After graduating from South High School, she attended Lyle's Beauty College and soon went to open her own salon. With a strong work ethic, hard work and commitment she enjoyed the success. Always working to support her family, Judy found working in the Basque community really felt like home.
Judy went on to open her own cafe in downtown Bakersfield. She, along with her daughter Melissa, ran the Uptown Cafe for 6 years, fulfilling a life long dream of hers. It's been said sometimes big bangs come in small packages and this certainly is true of Judy. Feisty and spunky, she was also very courageous and adventuresome... One time buying one-way tickets, she moved her and her kids to Hawaii, rented an apartment and got a job.
With strong family roots in the Midwest, Judy moved one last time to Springfield, Missouri where she could be close to her son, Nick on his farm.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents Waldo Harvey and Loretta Harvey, she is survived by her brother Chris Harvey, her 4 children; Lisa, Nick, Tommy and Melissa, 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Judy Bell
1 Entry
Linda Destefani
October 27, 2025
To Judy's family and friends this is a sad farewell to a former Old River neighbor. Many friends will always keep you in their hearts. Once a person is lucky to live out in Old River DURING the good old days no other place can replace the memories made there. Love to you all.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Judy Bell's name
Memorial Events
for Judy Bell
How to support Judy's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Judy Bell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
