Carrie Lynne Bell, born on September 1, 1946, in Roseburg, Oregon, passed away peacefully at her home on December 25, 2024. Her passing marked the end of a courageous 14-year battle with cancer, fought with grace and unwavering strength. She was 78 years old. Carrie was the daughter of Arthur Oliver Finch and Carrie Evelyn Hardin and was raised in southern California. In 1971, she met the love of her life, Jim Bell, and they were married that September. Together, they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage until Jim's passing in October 2024. The first 14 years of their marriage was full of adventures as they traveled extensively across the United States and living in Japan while Jim completed his Navy career. They took advantage of each duty station to explore the area and learn about the region they were living in. During this time, Carrie stayed home with her kids, having a daycare in her home or worked as a Ceramic Instructor on Navy bases in the evenings, sharing her passion for the craft with others. Carrie devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and home. She found immense joy in gardening and canning. Her family fondly remembers the countless hours she spent preserving everything from jellies to pickles to meats, ensuring her children grew up with fresh homemade meals. She had a love for arts and crafts, spending many hours crocheting, quilting and various other pursuits. She instilled in her family a deep appreciation for reading, keeping them in books through weekly reader clubs, weekly library trips and was an avid reader herself. Carrie believed in the power of family and kindness; she ensured no one ever felt alone or unsupported. Carrie was generous with her time, always lending a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors. Her unwavering belief in family and helping others defined her life.

Carrie is survived by her three children: David Malone, Lonna Bell, and Jamie Hancock (Russell); three grandchildren: Dani Carl (Jordan), CJ Hancock, and Colton Hancock; and two sisters: Very Byers and Beth Reynolds. Her legacy of love and resilience will live on through them. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Bell, father, Arthur Oliver Finch and stepmother Shirley Finch, Mother, Carrie Evelyn Nickla (Hardin) and stepfather Nick Nickla, her brother, William Johnson and stepbrother, Randy Finch and daughter, Grace Lynn Malone.

Carrie faced her illness with remarkable strength and positivity, undergoing chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and stem cell therapy with grace. She will be remembered for her kindness, determination, and the warmth she brought to all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she leaves behind. Her legacy is one of love, determination, and selflessness- a light that will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.