Stella Bell

Forman, ND: Stella Mae (Holen) Bell, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Four Seasons Healthcare Center in Forman.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Forman, with Rev. Julie Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at the Forman Cemetery under the direction of Olson Funeral Chapel.

Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, also at Trinity Lutheran Church, concluding with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service.

Stella Mae Holen was born on February 22, 1938, to John and Alice (Udelhofen) Holen on the family farm near Havana, North Dakota. She was born alongside her twin sister, Stasia. At birth, Stella weighed just three pounds and was kept warm in a shoebox on the wood stove; a humble beginning that foreshadowed her lifelong strength and resilience.

Stella attended school in Havana and graduated from Havana High School. After graduation, she and her twin sister moved to the Twin Cities, where they both worked as operators for the Bell Telephone Company.

On September 20, 1958, Stella married Richard "Richie" Bell in a double wedding alongside her twin sister, Stasia, and brother-in-law, James Thew. Together, Stella and Richie made their home on a farm near Forman, where they raised their family.

Once her youngest son started school, Stella began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Forman. Her dedication and compassion defined her 39-year CNA career; 19 years in Forman, another 19 in Oakes, and one final year back in Forman before retiring.

Stella had a zest for life and a kind heart that touched everyone she met. She enjoyed trips to the casino and was an avid card player and occasional blackjack dealer at local bars, often beating all the men. Texas Hold'em and Pinochle were her favorites. In her younger years, she was active in a bowling league and loved watching and cheering for her children and grandchildren in sports.

Family meant everything to Stella. She cherished reunions, visits with her sister at Lake Osakis, and writing thoughtful letters to family and friends. She also loved reading and being around horses. Stella's warmth, humor, and kindness blessed her with many lifelong friendships, and she will be deeply missed.

Stella is survived by her children: Monty (Teresa) Bell of Kyle, TX; Travis Bell of Forman; Jodi (Bill) Meyer of Britton, SD; and Brennan (Amanda) Bell of Lisbon; seven grandchildren: Skye and Sierra Hanna, Jatelyn (Eric) Paulson, Aria (Dallas) and Kyler Meyer, Derik and Tanner Bell; great-grandchildren: Dexen and Dansby, Marley and Max Paulson, and one on the way; her sister Kay Alstrom; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richie; her parents, John and Alice Holen; her daughter, Terri D. Ell; son, Richard "Rusty" Bell; twin sister, Stasia (James Thew) (Tom Danielson); brother, Charles (Diann) Holen and sister, Judy (Wes) Grothe.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jodi Meyer - P.O. Box 375 - Britton, SD 57430.