Leslie Bell

            Leslie Bell, 94, of Heritage Park Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Austin, TX, formerly of Harlington, TX and the Sterling – Rock Falls area, died Monday, January 2, 2006 at St. David’s Hospital, Austin, TX.  He owned and operated Bell’s Grocery Store, Prophetstown and Rock Falls, for many years.

            Mr. Bell was born May 18, 1911, in Louisville, KY, the son of Robert and Mary Sudie (Atkins) Bell.  He married Laura Lou Adams in 1935.  He then married Julia Marlene Dykerman on July 26, 1969.  She died Nov. 9, 2004.

            Survivors include three daughters, Dolly Ann (Thomas) Lucas of Toronto, Carol Sue (Richard) Akridge of Sterling and Leslie T. (Richard) Catlett of Prophetstown; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

            He was also preceded in death by a sister, Bertha Whitehead; a half brother. William “Bill” Milby; and two half sisters, Mary Funderburg and Burley Warren.

            Memorial service was Saturday, April 1, 2006 at First Open Bible Church, Rock Falls.

            A memorial has been established.