MARGARET A. "MIDGE" (CHRASTIL) BELL

March 10, 1943 - March 24, 2007
SOUTH BEND - Margaret Ann "Midge" Bell, 64, was born in San Luis Obispo, CA, as the first of three children of Doris Chrastil (Debban) and the late Clarence Chrastil.

Midge grew up in South Bend where she graduated from Washington High School.

After high school she met the love of her life, the late Robert L. Bell. They were married on February 16, 1963. Midge and Bob had four children, Robert L. Bell Jr. of Mishawaka, Thomas C. Bell (Jackie), Noblesville, Anne M. Bates (Dave), Olathe, Kansas, and Michael G. Bell (Maureen), Indianapolis.

Midge will be remembered for total commitment to family and friends, and for her unending service to the Lutheran Church. Her faith served her well. In 1981 she faced the untimely death of her husband and, five years later, the loss of her father. Yet Midge's faith never faltered. She continued her worked for the Lord until it was time for her to embrace God's grace. During the spring of 2006 she was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Midge accepted her destiny with dignity and grace, never faltering from the foundation of the Lutheran faith.

She fought the battle but finally succumbed to the disease on Saturday morning, March 24, surrounded by her family and friends. Midge walks in the presence of the Lord. She will be missed.

Midge is survived by her four children; her mother; a brother, Roger Chrastil of South Bend; a sister, Marilyn Thompson (Jon) of Granger; 10 grandchildren, Madison Bell, Baylee Bell, Brett Bell, Alyssa Bates, Abigail Bates, Dalton Bates, Joey Bell, Bridget Bell, Elliot Stoetzel and Romey Bell; and several nieces and nephews.

The family invites visitors to a celebration of Midge's life today, March 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. in St. Joseph Funeral Home on Ireland Road. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, March 28, at 11 a.m. in First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, 16495 Ireland Road. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in memory of Midge be made to the American Cancer Society.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Mar. 26 to Mar. 27, 2007.

03/24/2023 EJS