Eleanor Jean (Rogers) Bell

Eleanor Jean (Rogers) Bell, 91, of Galesburg, Michigan died on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Eleanor was born November 5, 1934, in Augusta, Michigan to Edward H. and Miriam L. (Krieger) Rogers. She was raised in Augusta and graduated from Galesburg-Augusta High School in 1952.

Eleanor Jean Rogers and Francis Walter Bell were united in marriage at the Brooks Memorial Methodist Church on January 21, 1955. His beautiful Ellie was the love of Fran’s life, almost from the moment he set eyes on her on the basketball court all those many years ago. Surviving are her husband, Francis; three daughters, Linda (Charlie) Grdina of Mattawan, Nancy (Rodney) Alman of Kalamazoo, Kathleen (William) Elliott of Plainwell; a son, Jeffrey (Brian Smith) Bell of Galesburg; eight grandchildren, Justin (Rachel) Bell; Brandon (Bonnie) Alman; Sophia Grdina; Maxwell Alman; Caleb Alman; Zoë Alman; Natalie Elliott; and Jonathan Elliott; niece Pamela (Brian) Snellgrove and nephew Steven (Linda) Rogers. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother and sister-in-law, John and Lois Rogers.

In addition to raising her children and managing her household, Eleanor worked steadily throughout her life. This included as a secretary and receptionist at Knappen Milling Co. in Augusta and retiring from Plainwell Paper Co. in Plainwell. Her fondest work memories were of helping process soldiers at the Battle Creek VA and working at an interior design store in Florida. But her favorite job was taking care of her grandchildren.

Eleanor was a steadfast member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Galesburg for over 60 years and filled many roles during that time. She loved to host family & friends and eagerly looked forward to each event. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren and their partners. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed playing tennis, biking, walking, gardening, reading and volunteering at the church and the library. She had the perfect voice for reading stories to sleepy kids and grandkids.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her stubbornness, her determination, her impeccable thank-you notes, her “lead foot” and the ability to get out of speeding tickets, her delicious pies and even better pie crusts, her strong sense of community, her radiant smile and her fierce love for her family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at noon, preceded by an 11 a.m. visitation, at the Congregational United Church of Christ, in Galesburg, officiated by Rev. Whitney Brown.

A reception will follow at The Venue at 68 LLC, at 68 E. Michigan Ave, Galesburg, MI 49053.

Memorial contributions may be made to Congregational United Church of Christ, 22 Church St., Galesburg, MI 49053 or Galesburg Charleston Memorial District Library, 188 E. Michigan Ave., Galesburg, MI 49053. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.