Marcella Murray Bell

1931 - 2025

Marcella Murray Bell, 94, of Klamath Falls, passed away on November 23, 2025.

Marcella was born in 1931, in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Percy and Marcella Murray. She grew up on Pacific Terrace with her siblings Rodney and Rosemary and attended Roosevelt Elementary School and Klamath Union High School. She was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Marcella studied at Pomona College and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Home Economics. In 1953, she married her childhood friend and sweetheart, Rodney Bell, and together they built a life centered on family, friends, hard work, and community. Following Rod's Air Force service, the pair returned to Klamath Falls, where they purchased the family hardware store and developed Bell Hardware into a successful multi-location, regional business.

Marcella was dedicated to her children and created a home filled with tradition, enthusiasm, and gatherings of family and friends. She was a Kappa Alpha Theta at Oregon State and was active throughout her life in Camp Fire Girls, Boy Scouts, CCD at Sacred Heart Parish, and PEO Chapter CF. She also supported local arts and education and served on the boards of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Later, she partnered with her daughter-in-law, Kendall, to create the downtown home store M'Bellish.

Marcella is remembered for her love of people, her many lifelong friendships, and her joy in traveling, bridge, tennis, golf, and any new adventure.

She is survived by her children Stephen (Kim) Bell of McMinnville; John (Kendall) Bell of Klamath Falls; Katherine (Charlie) Davidson of Portland; and Daniel (Kelli) Bell of Eugene; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; her brother Rodney Murray; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Rodney, her sister Rosemary, and her parents.

A Funeral Mass will be held January 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by burial at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The reception will be at the Ross Ragland Theater at 12:00 noon.

Viewing to be held January 8 from 3:00-5:00pm at O'Hair-Wards Funeral Chapel followed by the Rosary at 5:00pm.

Marcella appreciated a snappy necktie and pocket square. Feel free to join the gentlemen in her family by wearing your favorite tie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ross Ragland Theater in Klamath Falls in honor of Marcella Bell.

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