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Julie Bell Obituary
JULIE SCHLESSER BELL
July 20, 1946 ˜ August 3, 2024
Julie Schlesser Bell, 78, passed away peacefully at home Aug. 3, 2024, in Vancouver, WA, after battling Parkinson’s disease. She lived in Vancouver for approximately 50 years. She was born and raised in Portland, OR, with her sister, Dottie Ashley, and her brother, Steven Schlesser. She graduated from Lincoln High School and the University of Oregon. She was a daughter of Edward Ellsworth Schlesser (1912-2001) and Virginia “Ginny” Koehler Schlesser (1916-2000).
Julie met her husband, Ed Carlson Bell (1945-2019), at the University of Oregon when they were students there in the recreation department. They were married for almost 50 years and had two children, Scott and Kristin Bell.
Julie was actively involved with her kids when they were growing up, and also worked for the Vancouver School District for many years. She enjoyed the outdoors including camping, golfing, clamming, and fishing with her family. She was active in her church and liked spending time with friends whether on the golf course, with her knitting group, going to shows, or at a café chatting over coffee. Her favorite place in the world was the beach, and she enjoyed going whenever she could. After she retired from the school district, she and her husband, Ed, loved going on road trips to Vegas, Arizona, and all along the Pacific coast where she could take all the “Kodak moments” that her heart desired.
Julie loved people openly and was a welcoming host to all those who came her way. Family was immensely important to Julie, and she was loved by her family dearly and will be missed terribly. She will be happy to be reunited with her husband whom she never stopped missing and loving. Julie was genuinely goodhearted and always saw the best in the world and in others.
She is survived by her two children, Edwin Scott Bell and Kristin Bell.
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 805 SE Ellsworth Rd., Vancouver, WA 98664. 360-892-7770. https://www.goodshepherdvancouver.org. Donations can be sent to the Church of the Good Shepherd in lieu of flowers.
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Memories and Condolences
for Julie Bell
Kristi Sonney
September 5, 2024
Black Butte gals
Patricia Oneil
August 25, 2024
Prayers of comfort and support for family and friends. Julie was an such an important part of Truman elememtary school where my children attended. Always a smile and a laugh and genuine love of the students and staff. She and Ed were also supportive of youth sports. What a blessing to all.
Jill Carter
August 22, 2024
Julie was a friend all through grade school and high school who, though quiet, went out of her way to make you feel special. Though we went to Oregon together our paths didn't cross into our adult lives. Julie will be missed and remembered as a very special lady and friend. Rest in peace and you will forever be remembered. Jill Belford Carter
Tina Henry
August 21, 2024
I have many fond memories of Julie both from the Vancouver school district and at Church of the Good Shepherd! In the school district Julie was always there to lend a helping hand, initially in the classroom and later assisting administration and teachers with the many special Ed regulations. And although she was very efficient with these special tasks she never let the task at South take precedent over the person! She was there for you when you needed her, and there were times when I did, and she offered an empathetic and listening ear! I also enjoyed golfing with Julie on many occasions and she could hit it straight down the fairway! I liked her Texas salad that she would bring to potlucks but I especially loved her for her big heart! If someone was in need you could call and Julie . She involved herself in many behind-the-scenes tasks at church that went, perhaps unnoticed, but because of her efforts greatly enriched the lives of others. Indeed she will be missed by so many people in so many different ways. Yes Julie loved the beach! And if you were to ask me where I see her the happiest I would have to say with her beloved Ed and her children Scott and Kristen family times Gearhart. Those from the school district that shared lunch get together´s after retirement will miss her presence. Goodbye dear friend
Lynn O'Brien Wolfe
August 21, 2024
To clarify my entry as Lynn O'Brien Wolfe, my maiden name was Lynn Ellingrud, class of 1964, Lincoln High School.
Lynn O'Brien Wolfe
August 20, 2024
I met Julie at Lincoln High School in Portland when we were sophomores. She was very soft spoken and kind. I came from a lower-income family and Julie from a high-income family. Julie invited me to her home one day and I was in culture shock because they had a maid!!! But none of our socio-economic differences mattered to Julie. She invited me to spend a weekend at her parents beach house in Gearheart and she, and her parents, were so gracious in welcoming me. I hadn't seen Julie for a number of years but I always thought of her as a friend, growing up in those most difficult high school years. I send my condolences to her family. Love to you,
Lynn O'Brien Wolfe
Linda Amundson-Geise
August 20, 2024
So very sorry to hear of your lose, of Julie. She was a good friend to my brother Pete, nephew Eric, and sister in law Diana Amundson, she and I connected, with our family ties. One of my good Facebook friends, loved seeing her photos, and we did send her photos of our " neck of the woods " Haines Alaska. I will miss her banter in our Facebook accounts. Bless your hearts, remember the good times!! Linda Amundson-Geise
Ann Varkados
August 20, 2024
Julie was a longtime member of the Truman elementary family. She was actively involved in activities and loved the students and staff. Staff and students loved her back. She will be greatly missed. Ann Varkados
Corky Senecal
August 19, 2024
We have known Julie since the 1970s. She and Ed were friends as a couple and also as individuals. When we all got older and retired we loved winters in Arizona and visiting again down there.
She loved her kids with unconditional love and was always happiest with them - at home or at the coast - her Happy Place.
You are missed but not forgotten - Don and Corky
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