Susanne (Desbien) Bell

Susanne (Desbien) Bell, known to her family and friends as “Susie”, passed away on April 8, 2025, at the age of 66. 

She was born in Plainville, Kansas, on December 23, 1958, to Harvey and Doris (Overturf) Desbien. As the baby of the family, she was welcomed into the family by her older sister, Debbie. She attended Bogue schools and graduated from Hill City High School in 1977.

Susie was known to be fearless and a little ornery as a child. That orneriness stayed with her throughout her life. She loved being outdoors, especially spending time in the mountains hiking, fishing, and just being with nature. Her yard was filled with plants and flowers of every variety, and she spent time growing a small garden each year that flourished with vegetables that she then canned. Sports were important to her, and she excelled in many. Even as an adult, she played softball with the ladies or co-ed teams in the summer.

A boy named Gaylen Bell met Susie in 1971. He became the love of her life. They were married at her parents’ home on April 16, 1977. They would have celebrated their 48th anniversary this year. The couple raised two children, a daughter, Amy, and a son, Benjamin “B.J.” Susie loved being a mother, but she always said, “Being a Grandma was even better.” And she was lucky enough to be blessed with five grandchildren that lived close to her. Susie was extremely proud of her family.

Susie was a First Responder for the Bogue community when the town had no ambulance. Later, she spent several years serving as an EMT for Graham County. She was the Deputy of Register of Deeds for 20 years from 1994 to 2014, always greeting the public with a smiling face and ready to help.

If you visited the Bell home, you would, without a doubt, know which holiday was coming up. She decorated the house for every occasion. Needless to say, her passion was crafting. She made crafts for herself, as gifts, and to sell at many area craft fairs. However, her greatest love was her family and friends.

She was preceded in death first by her sister, Debbie Kaiser, then by her father, Harvey, both of who she helped care for as they battled cancer, and many years later, her mother, Doris, and her brother-in-law, Bob Bell.  She was always there for those who needed her.

Susie is survived by her husband, Gaylen Bell of Bogue; her daughter, Amy Roeder, and spouse, Dani Roeder of Bogue; her son, B.J., and spouse, Emily Bell of Bogue;  grandchildren: Tegan, Cloe, Gavin, Kya, and Hudson Bell; brothers-in-law: Richard Bell and spouse Leslie and Ron Bell and spouse Brenda; sisters-in-law: Becky and spouse Charles Hoss, Juanita Bell, and Andie Bell; nieces: Darcy, Tina, Ginger, Megan, Margo and Leah; nephews: Craig, Darin, Ryan, and Brady; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

The Funeral Service was held Monday, April 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hill City. 

Memorials are suggested to Second Chances Thrift Store or Masses and may be sent in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642.