Maggie Ann Bell

 Margaret Ann (Edwards) Bell, better known as Maggie, was born on January 16, 1940, in Roanoke, Virigina to Ted & Margaret Edwards. Maggie joined her loved ones in heaven on December 13, 2024. 

 Maggie was raised by her father, Ted, and mom, Ruby Edwards, in Roanoke. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1958 and later furthered her education at Davis College. After high school, Maggie married Donald Blakenship and together they had three children, Donna, Tracey, and Tommy. From that union, Maggie also gained a best friend and sister-in-law, Shirley Mitchell. After going their separate ways, Maggie later met Ralph Bell, Jr., who was her soul mate. Ralph and Maggie married on May 14, 1971, and Maggie gained four more children, Vicky, Bonnee, Ralph III, and Cathy. Together they raised their seven children on a farm in Temperance, Michigan.

 Maggie was a very classy lady and quite a showstopper. She began playing music in high school and eventually ventured into becoming a singer/songwriter with her band, Bobbi Bell and the Mustangs. Maggie picked back up performing in her later years at the Nowata Country Jubilee. Over the years, Maggie worked many jobs to provide for her family while Ralph worked on the road. She worked as an office manager and bookkeeper for large corporate firms, sang in local juke joints, and did custom leatherwork creating halters, bridles, and other horse tack. On the farm in Michigan, Maggie also hosted the local 4-H meetings and had the children over on Thursdays to learn about animals, gardening, and other life skills. Maggie was quite proud of her garden and spent many hours planting, harvesting, and canning, but she left the weeding to the kids. With work comes reward, and Ralph and Maggie frequently vacationed throughout the year with the kids. They spent many weekends in the cabins at Big Star Lake and summer breaks back home to Virginia.

 Maggie was best known for her love of family, music, horses, and Dr. Pepper. Ralph and Maggie’s horses were highly ranked in the showring and frequently sought for breeding and training. They both served many years with the APHA, AQHA, and PtHA as participants, judges, and board members. Each of the grandkids were first introduced to horses and riding while visiting their grandparents’ farm.

 Maggie was preceded in death by her husband Ralph (11/29/23), her parents Margaret, Ted, & Ruby Edwards, brother Jim Edwards & wife Marvel, and a grandson, Michael. Maggie is survived by her children Donna Smith, Tracey (Kim) Bell, Tommy (Valarie) Bell, Vicky (Bill) Rambo, Bonnee (John) Bert, Ralph III (Theresa) Bell, and Cathy Bell. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of family and friends. A celebration of life is being held on January 4, 2025, at 10:00am at the Delaware First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers please donate in Maggie’s name to The Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata.