Bella Jane (Horton) Fennell

On Friday evening, January 25, 2019, Bella Jane Fennell, 90, of Chicora, joined her husband, Russell “Dick” and her daughter, Bonnie, in death.

Bella was was a leap year baby and enjoyed telling her seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter that if you counted her birthdays, she was younger than many of them.  As dementia clouded her mind, she adopted the age of 80 and no amount of convincing could sway her from that number.

Prior to residing at the Chicora Medical Center, Bella was an active member of the Chicora Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.  Bella worked as a meat wrapper and deli manager for approximately 20 years primarily with Friedman’s.  As a result, she was known by many and found it increasingly frustrating that “all of these people know me and I don’t know any of them.”  Bella also baked and decorated cakes, painted ceramics and was a “crafty person.”  Bella was active at the Chicora Medical Center and will be remembered as a sweet soul by its employees, residents, and visitors alike.

Surviving is a daughter, Alice “Carol” Stewart and her husband, Jim, of Butler, a son, Rick Fennell and his wife, Suzanne, of Dayton, OH; seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, two sisters, Wilma and Ruth, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Her family and numerous friends were blessed to have her as an important loved one in their lives.

Bella was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Russell “Dick” Fennell, her daughter, Bonnie, three brothers, LaVerne “Jr.”., Charles, Robert, and a sister, Jean.

A deep debt of gratitude is due the Chicora Medical Center staff for their tender love and care extended to Bella and her family throughout her stay there, in particular the days leading up to her passing.  Your kindness and compassion touched us deeply.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 1 -3 and 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 – 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Chicora Alliance Church where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Mark Wallace, pastor of Chicora Alliance Church, officiating.  Interment will be in St. John’s Reformed Church Cemetery, Chicora.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Chicora Alliance Church, PO Box 251, Chicora, PA 16025.  For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.

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