Bella passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Kauhale Assisted Living in Otsego.
She was born July 22, 1930 in London, England, the daughter of William and Alice (Daniels) Axam. She worked at several area retail stores over the years retiring from Steketee’s. Bella was a skilled seamstress. She made many outfits for her children, did alterations and for many years altered uniforms for the Otsego High School band. She enjoyed traveling, going out for dinner, gardening, baking and journaling.
Bella was a member of the First Congregational Church of Otsego and together with her special friends was part of the “Golden Girls”. On December 28, 1957 in Lakeview she married Donald DuBois who passed away in 2021.
Surviving are her daughters, Kim (Wayne) Rayburn, Tracey (Rick) Hurdelbrink and Julie (Mike) Smith; grandchildren, Cari (Brent) Milhiem, Kellie (Paul) Lemmer, Whitney Reed, Abbie (Brad) Lietzke, Jessica (Jacob) Lewis, Jennifer (Tim) Lieber, Ethan and Evan Hermenitt; 10 great-grandchildren; special sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Woodstock; special niece, Laura Riddell and special nephews, Vic (Sandra) and Mike (Jan) both of England.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant son, John and siblings, Tom, Doug, Mae and Dolly.
According to her wishes cremation has taken place.
Burial of ashes for both Don and Bella will take place at 9:00 A.M., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
Following the burial, friends may visit with Bella’s family starting at 10:00 A.M., at the First Congregational Church of Otsego, until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., with family officiating.
Contributions in memory of Bella may be made to the First Congregational Church of Otsego.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Karen Andrews
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you find peace and comfort in the prayers of family and friends.
Fred Bosma and Sue
Our deepest sympathies we send to Bella’s whole family. Our prayers for comfort and The many wonderful memories to keep her close to your hearts.
We were always greeted with a smile and a twinkle in her eyes that told us “Life was good and she invited you along to enjoy the ride”.
To us Bella was an “American Queen Mum”! So proper….
Yolanda
So sorry for your loss. She truly was one of a kind, spunky,spirited and not afraid to speak her mind. I was so lucky to have known her and Don.
Kathi Fuss
Sending prayers, love and hugs to all ❤️❤️❤️. I always enjoyed talking with Bella. I loved her beautiful accent and she was such a sweet lady❤️❤️❤️❤️
Laura Riddell (Fergusson)
My Aunt Bella
Her smile
Her open arms
Her love
Her kisses
Her words
Her mixed up words
Her willingness to laugh at herself along with all of us
Her pride of family
Her love of Uncle Don
Her daughters that are inspiration to all who want to know how to love and care for their parents
Her country that became partly ours
Her family that became our family
Her love of tea and girls time together
Her love of baking
Her inability to swim
Her talent in sewing and knitting that she shared so generously
Her fashion and love of pretty things
Her love for her friends and community
My aunt – with red hair!
My other mother
A role model for how I hoped to love and live my life
My home away from home
My love – always
❤️ Laura
Lisa
Oh sweet Bella… my mornings will never be the same. I’m forever grateful for the time I had with you! You’re one of a kind. My condolences to the family.
Julie Andrus
Kim and Wayne, we are so sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort for all.
Dinah Howrigon
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Sheila
Tracey & family,
Sympathies to all of you on your loss.
When I worked with Tracey I remember the stories you would tell about your Mom, especially the tea times. Hugs.
Doug Leffring
Kim& family, so sorry for your loss. Your mom was so neat of a person. A very great friend of my mom. I’m sure they are having coffee and donuts in heaven.
Mitzi
To all of Bella’s family I send my deepest sympathy. Bella’s was a wonderful lady.
Mike Warren
My favourite Aunt Bella
So Sadly missed, wonderful memories to numerous to mention.
Back in the 50’s Bella was a regular visiter to our house to see my late mum Dolly her sister. Once married to Don and living in Michigan,Bella always sent lovely gifts at Christmas.
In 1961 Mum and I visited Bella, Don and Kim and was made very welcome by Don’s relative’s. As the family grew , regular trips to the U K began,1968 being very memorable,when Janis my wife and I married,with Kim and Tracey being our Bridesmaids.
Aunt Bella or Bell as we called her will always be in our thoughts.
God Bless rest in peace
Love
Mike,Janis and family.
Christopher John Betts
Tracey, I was saddened by the news, Bella I very much enjoyed your hospitality and your good humor. She was always quick to remind you what time the girls needed to be home. She would be waiting up if you were late I didn’t dare go into that house for the look always sweet enough to scare a bear. She Loved those girls Truly will be missed