Vera H. Bell, 98, of Godfrey, IL, formerly of Pittsfield, IL passed away Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, IL.  She was born April 16, 1912 in Scott County, IL to the late George and Lena Albers Hildebrand.  She and Charles W. Bell Jr. were married in 1937 in Bowling Green, MO.  He preceded her in death on June 14, 1986.

Mrs Bell was a “Rosie the Riveter” for Curtiss-Wright Aircraft in St. Louis during WWII and later worked for Sears, retiring as a Division Manager after more than 30 years with the company.  She was a member of the Pittsfield United Methodist Church and was involved with the United Methodist Women and Pittsfield Women’s Club.  She was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter #195 and was an avid bridge player, participating in various bridge clubs around Pittsfield.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Tom Johnson of Alton.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Korty and Ruth Sumpter.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Rev. Tom Wilber and Rev. Jame Hahs officiating. Interment will be in the Gray Cemetery near New Salem.  Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorials are suggested to be made to the Main St. United Methodist Church or the Pittsfield United Methodist Church or charity of donor’s choice.

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