Vernon Leslie Bell, 86, passed away at home on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, and Rosemary Jane Johnson Bell, 88, passed away at home on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016. A private service will be held with family and friends. Vernon was born April 12, 1930, in Merkel, Texas. Rosemary was born July 22, 1928, in South Bend, Ind. Vernon and Rosemary were married on Jan. 2, 1970. Vernon served during the Korean War in the Army. They lived in the Show Low area and owned restaurants in Show Low and in Whiteriver. Vernon was known to many by the name Tinkerbell because he loved fixing things and building. Rosemary was known as Tinkerbabe. She spent some of her time painting and working on different crafts. They spent many years traveling to Mexico, where they enjoyed fishing and gathering shells on the beach. The stories that she told of their adventures kept us laughing throughout the years. They spent the last of their years in Silver Lake Estates, planting gardens and giving most of it away to family, neighbors and friends. Vernon made bread every day to feed the birds and foxes, and kept food out for any stray cats. They sat together at the kitchen table every morning and watched all the critters that came to eat. They will always be in our hearts and they will be greatly missed. Survivors include two sons, Vernon Alton and Vance Rodney; two daughters, Marti and Velina Jo; 14 grandchildren, Charlynn, Stacey Jane, Uvanda, Eric, Jamie, Donnie, Vernon Lewis, Shelly Marie, Tally Amber, Faron Earl, Vance Edward, Morgan Jo, Virginia Anne and Stephanie Marie; 22 great-grandchildren, Ashley, Brandalynn, MacKenzie, Brian, Megan Samantha Jane, Olivia Lauren Jane, Jorge Enrique Matteo, Jessica, Niki, J.J., Chantia, Tiffany, Morgan, Chase, Alishia, Trinity, Thorn, Deraya Rose, Kiliaya Lily, Aidan Walker, Nathaniel Owen, Jacoby Dean and Carson Walker; and nine great-great-grandchildren, Tage, Abigail, George, Gavin, Brielle Rose, Jeremiah Ashton, Joseph, Gabriel and Wyatt. They were preceded in death by a son, David, and a daughter, Sherrin Jane. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low was in charge of the arrangements.
