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1923
2016
Bell, Nancy Ballantine,
93, died February 11, 2016, in Louisville.
Born on Green River in Calhoun, KY in 1923, Nancy was the youngest and last surviving of eight children of Wilmot Bewley and Tilden Hendriks Ballantine. Her family was distinguished: her father operated the toll ferry across Green River; her mother was the first woman in McLean County to hold a driver's license. During the flood of 1937 they moved to the second floor, where from the landing she and her sister made daily assessments of the room arrangement as the piano floated across the living room.
After high school Nancy attended college in Bowling Green, then worked for the FBI during the war. In 1944 she married John Bell, a Navy doctor from Hopkinsville, after a year of correspondence arranged by their sisters. When he completed his residency in New York they moved to Louisville, where they raised five children.
She was a delegate to the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago, served on the Kentucky Council on Higher Education, and was a long-time supporter and board member for Wellspring.
Nancy loved bridge, cross-word puzzles, a well-crafted letter, Lake Michigan, and dogs. She loved politics, FDR and John Kennedy, Nixon not so much. Through her final days she loved the people she encountered and the stories of their lives.
Nancy was preceded by her son John in 1968, son-in-law Tom McKune in 2007, and husband John in 2008. She is survived by four children, Jane, Walter, David, and Victor; and nine grandchildren, who will miss her dearly.
The Bell Family wishes to thank the able and forever-patient staff at Treyton Oak Towers. They were genuine friends to Nancy and to her family. A memorial celebration of her life is planned for April.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
For the Weisell families of the Red Schoolhouse on Neahtawanta Road in Traverse City, the Bell Household was always a treat to visit - overseen by Nancy and John Bell. I first met Nancy with my Mother Mary in the summer of 1968 and we instantly became kindred spirits. We will miss her and John but know the lively spirit will always radiate from the Bell House.
Bob Weisell for the Schoolhouse families
Robert Weisell
February 16, 2016
Dear, dear sweet Aunt Nancy. How we will miss your sparkling blue eyes and your wit. With many loving memories of great times in Louisville with our Kentucky cousins. Please let us know the plans for the memorial. Austin Bell, Doug Bell, David Bell & Martha Puryear (the Oklahoma Bells!)
February 16, 2016
What a wonderful, interesting, loving lady Ms Bell. She lived across the hall from my mom at Treyton Oaks. I loved to laugh with her and smile at her witty remarks. I will miss her dearly but she will always live in my heart.
Glenda Jackson
February 15, 2016
Nancy was a dear friend for many years and we will miss her. Please let us know the plans for the memorial. Love to the family
Larry & Patti Mattingly
February 15, 2016
I have many fond memories of Miss Nancy and Dr. John Bell and family. As one of their baby sitters during the early 60's, I learned to love the whole family. My condolences to Janie, Phlip, David, Dickie and their families. May Nancy rest in peace along with Dr. John and Johnny.
Joan Gottbrath Nevitt
February 14, 2016
Nancy and John Bell will forever occupy a warm spot in my heart.
Dinsmore Fulton
February 14, 2016
Many, many years ago I played with the Bell children and was always welcomed into that big house by Nancy and John.Bless you all and may the angels keep Nancy (and all) safe.
ann hodapp
February 14, 2016
I am sorry for your loss. I considered her a dear friend. I will miss our conversations as well as my conversations with her children. She was a great, classy lady .
Amy Varner
February 13, 2016
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