<< Go Back To Obituaries

Dona Faye Bell

Aug. 12, 1958 - May 2, 2020

Date of Service: May 9, 2020

CHUBBUCK – Dona Faye Bell, a 61-year-old resident of Chubbuck and formerly of Albion, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 2, 2020, from a short heart related illness.

Dona was born August 12, 1958, in Burley, Idaho; she was the fifth and final child of Leo Russell and Merla Ocea Coltrin Bell of Albion. Dona loved the farm and animals. She was a “tomboy,” hated having to wear dresses to church, and was affectionately known by her nickname of “Rawhide.” Dona attended Albion Elementary, Declo Junior High, and Declo High School. She was valedictorian of her graduating class of 1976. Dona attended Idaho State University (ISU) in Pocatello for one year. She obtained a job at ISU in the transportation department. Her entire career was spent at ISU. She became a skilled and caring bus driver for many of the activities at ISU.

Dona loved to travel. Her first big adventure was on an RV trip to Alberta, Canada, with her Dad, her brother David, her Uncle Floyd, and her friend, Janie Powell. They tried fishing; with no success, and drove all the way back through Glacier National Park. The view of the beautiful blooming cherry orchards along Flathead Lake south of Glacier was a favorite memory.
She was a good “tour guide” and went on numerous trips with friends, nieces, nephews, and family members.

Dona thoroughly enjoyed sports. She excelled in racquetball and belonged to bowling and softball leagues. She also played golf. As her health declined, she enjoyed learning to play pickleball.

Dona loved animals. In her youth she had a favorite baby calf she named “human being.” Even after the calf was fully grown, Dona could walk in the herd and it would come when she called its name. Dona had a bum lamb named Freckles that thought it was a lap dog, even when it grew bigger than her lap. She had dogs all her life and they were her favorite
companions.

Dona was a generous and caring person. She was always willing to help anyone in need. She shoveled snow from the driveways of the widows in her neighborhood. She gave her time as well as giving money freely to those in need. Dona especially enjoyed visiting and delivering small gifts to her aunts and uncles and her special old Albion friends.

Dona had been enjoying retirement working in her yard, training her new dog, planning her next trip, and looking forward to the pickleball game season. We are shocked and saddened at her sudden passing. She will be missed by her family, friends, and all those she helped in her neighborhood.

Dona is survived by Deidre (Vic) Warr, Laura Lee (Mike) Archibald, David (Shari) Bell, Doris Elaine (Mike) Ricks, and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Merla Bell; two nephews; and one niece.

A family service will be held in her honor at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Mormon Cemetery in Albion.

Her life will be celebrated at her home in Pocatello at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 6, for her many friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Condolences for Dona Faye Bell

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Lorraine:

Dona was a true friend and a fun neighbor. She knew my hubby long before she knew me. He was at the Pocatello Trap Club every Sunday. She enjoyed going there. I was out painting our fence when she pulled up and saw Lee and asked him if I was his wife. He said, "yes" with a big smile on his face. Dona said to us, "I am looking to buy the house across the street from you guys." And she did. Dona was always willing to help with anything anyone needed help with. She helped us with all of the rocks we ran around collecting for my yard. She didn't take "no" for an answer. Her laugh still to this day rings thru my ears. I know the people that purchased her home. They love it there. On February 9, 2012, my husband passed. Dona was right there for me. I am glad we were friends. ~Love & miss you Dona!

From Kaye A Black:

Dona was wonderful person and an incredible friend to me. Her life exemplified charity and service. She will be greatly missed by family, friends, and our community. Very deepest sympathy to all who loved her.

From Twylia Fannin:

Donna was a shining example of love and generosity. She approached everyone she met with an open heart and love. She was always there to lend a helping hand. She was a hard worker and devoted colleague. I’m grateful our paths crossed. We had a lot of adventures and laughs together. -Twylia

From Vicki Thomson:

Dona was a great friend. Always there when you needed something. I have great memories of many trips we went on. She will be missed.

From Ocea Williams :

I sure loved our short visits when we worked together that fall of 2014. When I would see her name on the directory I would always smile because I knew we were related. I'll miss you.

From Jackie Blanchard:

It is truly heartbreaking to think of life without Dona. She was my pickle ball, bowling & golfing buddy. I admired how much it pleased her to help anyone with anything. She was so caring, kind and generous. Thank you Dona for your wonderful friendship. I am so grateful to have known you. I will miss you along with so many other people.

From Deb Easterly:

I'm so sorry

From Dennis Blanchard:

Definitely one of the good guys in this world! She was totally SELFLESS! I miss her already.

From Darla Hulse:

The Hulse/Thomson gang knows Dona as a loyal friend to our family; willing to help out when ever she could. We have good memories of her showing up to help with construction, go on fishing and hiking trips. Quiet and kind, knowledgeable, patient. We are sad for this loss. Prayers to the family and her friends, and her pets, whose hearts are broken by seeing her empty chair & vacant pickup.

From Liz Benson:

Oh yes! Dona was loyal, caring, giving and all around wonderful being. She will excel in her heavenly service as we eventually accept peace with out her.

From Brenda welker:

Dona was an amazing lady. Helping everyone where ever she went. We had been friends for 25 or 30 years. Always there for me and our little dinner crew. We knew when we ate at her home it was acorn squash , grilled pork , crescent rolls and brownies for dessert! She loved my dads black horse and would pet him for hours! He loved the attention. I will miss her greatly!

From Darrell Buffaloe:

Dona was a good friend and valuable member of the Idaho State University family. She was loved by everyone and will be missed.

Condolence Form

Leave a Condolence or Memory:

Your Name:

Email (optional):

A real person knows the answer: 5 plus 8 =

*Note: Comments submitted after business hours will be reviewed and posted the following business day by funeral home staff.