Edie Bell attached her wings and left this world on Friday, Dec. 4, after a dignified battle with dementia. She was born in Salt Lake City on Feb. 18, 1942, to Leland Cook and Genevieve Edith (Dunning) Longhurst. She was the third of four children.
Edie grew up in Evanston and was a graduate of Evanston High School. She was in the Class of 1960 — a very special class that nurtured lifelong friendships among its members. She enjoyed working on the All-Alumni Reunion for a number of years and always looked forward to reunions in early July.
Edie married Ray Eberhard soon after high school. This marriage ended in divorce. On May 20, 1964, she married her lifelong love, Myron Bell, in Reno, Nevada. Together, they raised four children — Raymond Leon, Kari, Joy and Stephanie.
Edie was the best wife and mom. She was truly a homemaker while her children were young and worked diligently daily to keep our family headed in a positive direction. She was a wonderful cook and she made lunches for her kids to take to school. She baked bread at least twice a week. Edie hauled us around to our various events and activities. She was supportive of our endeavors and encouraged us to spread our wings and fly.
As her children grew up and left the nest, Edie went back to school and learned how to bill medical claims and run medical offices. She took this education and worked for more than 20 years in the medical profession. She worked in both physicians’ offices and home health care.
Edie had many passions and hobbies. She crocheted, made quilts, loved cross stitching and was always happy in her flower garden. She always had a special place in her heart for people with multiple sclerosis. Edie was a member of the Citizens of Uinta County Healthcare Trust (COUCH) Board for a number of years, and was active in the Hungry Children Backpack program. Her background and her life brought her special wisdom to the table. Edie would rather be respected than liked — and this made her very likable — and respected by those who knew her.
Edie is survived by her children, Raymond Leon Bell of Salt Lake City, Kari Ynes of Evanston, Joy Bell (Jim Hill) of Evanston, and Stephanie (David) Harris of Fairfield, California. She is also survived by grandsons, David Ynes of Evanston and Zachary Lennan of Butte Valley, California. Additionally, she leaves behind her siblings, Lee Longhurst and Lois Jean Longhurst; sister-in-law, Elaine Longhurst; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leon and Joyce Bell; aunt, Huguette Dunning; uncle, Harold Hoffman; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Edie was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Myron; her father and mother, Leland and Genevieve Longhurst; brother, Earl Longhurst; sister-in-law, Sandy Furman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roma and Ray Perkins and Joyce and Theo Limb. She was also preceded in death by father and mother-in-law George and Evelyn Bell.
Our family is planning a celebration of life for both Myron and Edie in the spring of 2021. This will allow their many friends and family to attend and share wonderful stories about their lives. They were both very special people who left their print on our paths. They are missed greatly by those who had the good fortune of knowing them.
Condolences may be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
