William (Bill) James Bell, age 85, of Helena, passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital.
Bill was born July 15, 1927 in Tacoma, WA to George and Mary Mamie (Gunther) Bell. His family moved to Helena in 1932 where he attended all grades of school and graduated from Helena High School in 1945.
Bill went to work for the War Finance Department that same year and in 1946 he began his career with the Federal Reserve Bank in Helena where he held several positions. He retired in August of 1977 as the head of the check department after over 31 years of service.
Bill was a loving caretaker of his mother for many years at the family home where he also enjoyed numerous hours tending his yard and gardens. Following his brother’s loss of sight from diabetes, Bill volunteered as a reader for the Books for the Blind program for several years. He was known for his love of card games and parlaying his skills on trips to Jackpot, Nevada.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Raymond and Arthur and sister Bertha. He is survived by his niece Dian Renner of Ohio and niece Jan (Kevin) White of Gillette, WY.
Viewing will be held at Retz Funeral Home on Thursday, January 3, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. A graveside service is scheduled at 10 a.m., Friday, January 4, 2013 at Forestvale Cemetery with a social gathering following at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Banquet Hall, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the American Diabetes Association – Montana, 1627 W. Main St. #295, Bozeman, MT 59715; American Cancer Society, 3550 Mullan Rd., Ste. 103, Missoula, MT 59808 or the National Arthritis Foundation, 337 Stephens Ave., Missoula, MT 59801. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Bill, please visit below.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday January 3, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday January 4, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
10:30 a.m.
Friday January 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Banquet Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday January 3, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday January 4, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
10:30 a.m.
Friday January 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Banquet Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Becki Currey says
My sister, Debbie Smith, worked for Bill in the Federal Reserve check department. He was a great boss and always very kind and caring. Many people in Helena were fortunate to have Bill in their lives.