Doris Emma Bell

Doris Emma Bell obituary, Wichita, KS

Doris Emma Bell

Doris Bell Obituary

Visit the Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - East Wichita website to view the full obituary.
Doris Emma Bell, 88, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, died Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
Visitation will be from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Funeral Service at 12:30 pm, Friday, May 23, 2025, at Countryside Christian Church. Graveside Service will follow at 3:30 pm, at Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.
Doris attended cosmetology school in Wichita, KS. She owned several salons in Wichita throughout her 40-year career as a hair stylist. Doris greatly enjoyed playing bridge and golfing with her girlfriends. Even after she moved away from the Groendyke farm, her love of gardening remained. Tomatoes were her specialty and favorite! Grandma was proud to be a south paw and even more so to pass it along to the great-grands. She had a love of traveling, cruises and trips to Branson in particular, and would routinely take her family along with her. While Lilley's landing was their preferred spot, she would often leave Larry to the fishing while she snuck away to the landing for a shopping excursion and glass of red wine. She especially enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was more important to her than anything else! She will be dearly missed.
Preceded in death by her sons, Steve and Len Bell; daughter, Leslee (Rogelio Roy) Barrera; parents, Len and Elma Groendycke; twin sister, Donna (Gayle) Irvin; sisters, Peggy Vincent, Pattie Groendycke, Leigh Groendycke.
Survived by her husband, Larry Bell; grandchildren, Stacia (Jerod) Barrett of Cottonwood Falls, KS, Garrett Gilliland of Mulvane, KS, Talbott Jay TJ (Lexi) Gilliland of Mulvane, KS, Logan (Amanda) Bell of Medicine Lodge, KS, Lucas (Shannon) Bell of Wichita, KS, Bryn Leigh Bell of Richmond, CA; 12 great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Cindy Spade, Brenda Neal.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Countryside Christian Church, 1919 S. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67207.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - East Wichita

6555 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67206-1924

Make a Donation
in Doris Bell's name

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.

How to support Doris's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
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
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Doris 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sponsored

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.