Mary Frances Bell, 79 of Taylorville, passed away at 6:45am on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 in her home.  She was born on May 30, 1941 in Taylorville, the daughter of Lawrence E. and Cecelia (Chlebus) Dunn.  She married Robert E. Bell on January 14, 1961 in Taylorville.  Mary graduated from Taylorville High School in 1959 and remained life-long friends with several of her classmates, who proudly referred to themselves as “The Dirty Dozen”.  She worked as a secretary for the Taylorville School District for 30 years, first at the Jr. High, and most of her career at the High School.  Aside from her regular office duties, Mary spent many years selling tickets to the high school sporting events.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and loved to collect angels.  In her free time, she enjoyed spending time playing the machines at the riverboat.  Mary was loved by everyone that knew her and had countless “adopted” children and grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as Ma Bell.  She dearly loved her grandsons and never missed a sporting event they were participating in.  Mary truly had a love for life, and never met a stranger.  She will be dearly missed by everyone that knew her.  
She is survived by her husband: Bob Bell of Taylorville; daughter: Juli Mantia, husband Patrick, of St. Louis; grandsons: Nathan Bell of Peoria and Nicholas Bell of Louisville, Kentucky; daughter-in-law: Teri Simon and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; son: Jeffrey Bell; and siblings: Pauline Armes, Larry Dunn, and Robert Dunn.
A funeral mass for Mary will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Monsignor David Lantz officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm Friday at McClure Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.  CDC health guidelines will be followed including social distancing and the use of masks.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School or Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of Mary, or condolences to her family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.