Jeannette P. Bell, 61, of Echo, died Nov. 15, 2008 at St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Wash. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008 at the Echo High School gym in Echo.

Mrs. Bell was born Oct. 18, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pa., to Wilbur and Eunice Hunstein Carlin.

She was raised in John Day, graduating from Grant Union High School, before moving to Kennewick, Wash. In 1972, she married Robert A. ‘Bud’ Bell in Pasco, Wash. The couple moved to Echo in 1972.

From 1993 to 1997 she served on the Echo city council and as mayor of Echo from 1997 to 2002. She owned and operated Echo Grocery from 1994 to 2006. She was a member of the Stanfield Moose Lodge and also an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, holding many local and state offices. She enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping and helping others directly and through her involvement in city government at the VFW Auxiliary.

Survivors include her daughter, Paula Bell of Eugene; son, Brian Bell of Irrigon; companion, Ray Dyer of Echo; and sister Eunice Johnson of North Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud Bell, in 1993; her parents; and an infant son, David Bell.

A private family burial was held at the Echo Cemetery in Echo.

Contributions in her name may be made to the Echo VFW ladies Auxiliary – Cancer Aid and Research Fund, or to St. Mary Regional Cancer Special Needs Fund. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in charge of the arrangements.