Joyce Bell

Joyce Evans Bell, 84, of Olathe, Kansas, died Monday, September 17, 2012, at her home, which she shared for many years with her husband, Capt. Lawrence Douglas Bell, Sr. USN Ret., until his death in 1996.

Joyce was born July 29, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Gail and Dorothy Thornsberry, and she was the granddaughter of Harry Evans, founder of Evans Electric Co., Kansas City, Missouri. She is preceded in death by her brother, Gail Thornsberry, Jr.

Joyce was a third-generation Kansas City, Missouri native, and attended Southwest High School, Kansas City, Missouri She received her GED from Johnson County Community College in 1982, where she also studied art and painting.

Joyce was married three times, raised four children and in recent years reaffirmed her relationship with the Catholic Church, which brought her much joy and peace. She celebrated her faith and love for God and cherished her relationship with the Church.

Joyce had an amazing talent for decorating her home, she could grow flowers that burst from the ground into beautiful blooms, and had an incredible taste in clothes and coordinating outfits with a distinct style admired by all.

Her love for family and God filled her heart with love, and she delighted in laughter and English prose.

Joyce was a longtime and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, celebrating 32 years of sobriety upon her death.

Survivors include her children, William C. Schoenhard, of Kirkwood, Missouri, Gale T. Holsman, Jr., of Lake Winnebago, Missouri, Melissa E. Holsman, of Stuart, Florida, and J. Scott Holsman, of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren Sarah Schoenhard-Skinner, Tom Schoenhard, Jason Holsman, Shannon Holsman-Lock; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 12:00 noon, Thursday, September 20, 2012, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 900 S. Honeysuckle Drive, Olathe, Kansas. A luncheon will follow the service at St. Paul's. Inurnment will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 21, 2012, at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Meals on Wheels.