Deborah Jean (Olson) Bell, age 59, was born on August 19, 1956, at McKenzie County Memorial Hospital in Watford City, ND. After a prolonged struggle with cancer, she passed away in her home in Sheridan, WY, on July 20th, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.
Deb was the daughter of Glendon and Edna Olson, spending her childhood on the family farm, 17 miles east of Watford City. Deb graduated from Watford City High School in 1974. She received a B.A. in Elementary Education and a B.S. in Management of Human Resources from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, OK. After moving to Sheridan and working at Spring Creek Coal, she met and married Patrick Bell in 1985. She most recently achieved her PHR certification in Human Resource Management from the Society of Human Resource Management Corporation. Her most recent employment with L&H Industrial in Sheridan was also her most enjoyable, fulfilling work experience.
Deb was a charter member of the Sheridan Wesleyan Church where, as an accomplished musician in many ways, she enjoyed playing the piano, singing and participating in many church activities. Some of her joys in life were skiing, camping, cooking, reading, snuggling with her cats, and raising her four children, which included her husband of thirty-one years.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Glendon & Edna Olson. She is survived by her husband Patrick, Sheridan, WY; sons Brian (Nagam Gill), Broomfield, CO, and Josh (Lidija), Bartlesville, OK; daughter Savanah Bell, Sheridan, WY; sisters Glenda Graham (Clyde), Oakley, KS, and Kathy Thomas (Lyn), Ojai, CA; brother Tim Olson (Toni Herman), Devil’s Lake, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 25th, 2016 at the Sheridan Wesleyan Church, 404 West Brundage Lane with Rev. Darrell White and Rev. Chuck Lucas officiating. A luncheon is to follow at the church.
If desired, memorials may be given to Hospice of the Big Horns, PO Box 391, Sheridan, WY 82801. The family wishes to thank the many friends and community professionals who have supported Debbie and her family over the course of her illness.
Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.