Loretta J. Bell

Loretta J. Bell, 81, longtime resident of Milford, NH, died on January 18, 2025 at the Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH. 

She was born on April 28, 1943 in Fort Devens, Massachusetts, the daughter of George and Doris (Adams) Putnam. Loretta was raised and educated in New Ipswich, NH, and graduated from Appleton Academy, Class of 1960.  

Loretta had been employed by Hitchiner Manufacturing for many years. 

She enjoyed reading, but most especially she cherished spending time with her loving children and grandchildren. Loretta fought a valiant fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia and breast cancer. 

Loretta tolerated Jim’s antique cars. 

Family members include her loving husband, James C. Bell, Sr. of Milford, NH; four daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Kevin Shutt of West Stewartstown, NH, Jeanette and Roger Comire of Milford, NH, Linda and Roy Creighton of Bennington, NH, Cheryl and Mike Taylor of Milford, NH; a son and daughter-in-law, James and Lisa Bell of Milford, NH; fifteen grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; a sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Bob Johnson of Jaffrey, NH; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul and Sue Putnam of Wilton, NH, Ronnie and Rae Putnam of Milford, NH and George and Michalina Putnam of ND. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26th at 10:00am in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, burial to follow in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054, SHARE Outreach Inc., 1 Columbus Avenue, Milford, NH 03055 or Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, 545 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03110.