Linda Bell

BELL, CHERRY, GERICKE, GHERE

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 2/16/2025 at 12:33:08

Linda Bell, 69, of Independence, IA, died on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Lexington Estates in Independence, IA.

Linda was born on June 25, 1955, in Independence, IA the daughter of Lester J. and Patricia A. (Ghere) Cherry. She grew up in Winthrop, IA, and attended the East Buchanan Schools. Linda loved school, she enjoyed her time as a cheer leader and made many memories in the music programs in high school. In 1973, She graduated high school and went on to attend Iowa State University in Ames, IA; there she studied Elementary Education.

On November 24, 1974, Linda married James Bell at Quasqueton Union Church. They live together in Ames until Linda graduated in 1977, and made their home in Independence, IA. Linda started teaching for the Independence Community School District. Linda loved her students, and taught first, second, and third grade classes for twenty-three years. She retired in 2000, due to health issues.

Linda’s health made her life difficult for many years, but she was never forgotten by her coworkers, and wonderful group of girlfriends. They often stopped by to talk or to take Linda out on the town with them. Their friendship meant the world to her and made life more enjoyable.

She is survived by her sons; Andrew (Ashley Beaty) Bell, Marshalltown, IA, Nicholas Bell, Waterloo, IA, and Matthew (Larissa) Bell, Independence, IA, three grandchildren; Reagan, Avery, and Preston Bell, her siblings, Lonnie (Tammy) Cherry, Winthrop, IA, Lorie (Kenny) Gericke, Quasqueton, IA, and Lee (Michelle) Cherry, Walker, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Patricia Cherry, and her husband, James Bell.

The family of Linda Bell wish to thank: Lexington Estates and Buchanan County Health Center staff, Reiff Family Center, First United Methodist Church, and the community of Independence and surrounding area for your outreach and support of Linda over the years and also the time of her passing.

Visitation will be held from 2 PM until 5 PM on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 17th, at the First United Methodist Church in Independence; burial will be held at Wilson Cemetery in Independence.