Janice Bell

Janice (Jan) Bell went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 18, 2026 peacefully with her family by her side. Jan was born March 12, 1935 in Des Moines, Iowa to Alfred Maupin Sr and Mable Winscott. Jan was married to Ray Bell for over 40 years before his passing in 2009. Jan is preceded in death by her husband, Ray, her parents, Al and Mable Maupin, her sister, Connie Weber, and her brother Alfred Maupin, Jr.

Jan was born and grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. She was a graduate of North High school in Des Moines and took a variety of college courses at ENMU-R. Jan was a very involved member of Calvary Baptist Church for almost 60 years. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, participated in and led many Bible studies there. Jan, along with her husband Ray, supported both home and foreign missionaries. She also loved working as a literacy advocate for many years. Jan was known for her kindness and grace to all.

Jan was a devoted, wife, mother and grandmother. She was a homemaker with a gift of serving others. She loved sewing, painting, traveling and spending time in Ruidoso with her family.

Jan is survived by her children, Karla (Jeff) Drake of South Carolina and Jill (Tony) Najar of Roswell, NM. She has six grandchildren: Ryan (Jennifer) Najar, Maranda (Justin) Breedyk, Derek (Kahil) Najar, Rachel (Nick) Walker, Joshua (Alicia) Drake and Jacob Drake. She also has 11 great grandchildren.

A celebration of Jan's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel. A Private family burial will follow.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to All of Jan's caretakers from Visiting Angels, Heartfelt Manor and her Hospice nurses, All who loved her and cared for her so beautifully. In lieu of flowers, you may make contributions to Wounded Warrior Project.