Prudence Bell

Prudence Bell, 79, of Atwood, Kansas, was called home on December 23, 2024 surrounded by family and loved ones, while being cared for at Rawlins County Health Center following a recent injury. She was born on September 9, 1945, at Atwood Hospital to J.D. and Ada Fae (Cox) Bell.

Prudence grew up in Atwood, Kansas, where she attended Atwood Grade School and Rawlins County High School. Active in choral groups and music, she graduated from AHS in 1963. She went on to earn her Associate’s Degree from Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, in 1965. In 1967 she completed her BA at Emporia State University before continuing to the University of Oklahoma, where she received a Master's Degree in Library Science.

After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, worked for the library at Colby, Kansas for a year until she relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah where she worked for the Utah Public Library System for 37 years, retiring as Regional Manager in 2006. Throughout her career, she especially enjoyed fostering a love of reading in children. Long before there was the internet there was Prudence Bell and people would call the library in hopes of “stumping the librarian,” often requesting the most obscure facts and information—a challenge Prudence met with enthusiasm. With her rapier intelligence and passion for learning, woe betide any opponent she had in the game of Trivial Pursuit!

Upon retirement, she returned to her hometown of Atwood, Kansas in 2006, where she enjoyed a rich life filled with family, friends, community service, and participation in various clubs and societies. Her home became a hub for family celebrations—most notably birthdays, Christmas, and Fourth of July gatherings—where generations came together to laugh, share stories, and create lasting memories. Prudence’s warmth, hospitality, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone she welcomed.

Prudence was a lifelong member of P.E.O., serving in both the Salt Lake City chapter and Chapter AX in Atwood. She was a passionate supporter of education, the arts, and culture, and contributed her time to the Atwood Library Board, Museum Board, and Jayhawk Theatre Board. An avid bridge player, she was a member of multiple bridge clubs, most recently at the Obert Senior Center in Atwood.

A gifted artist, writer, and creator, Prudence expressed her love and creativity through a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, embroidery, book art, poetry, stories, songs, and essays. Her work reflected a deep passion for the creative arts and a desire to inspire creativity in those around her.

One of BAP’s (Beautiful Aunt Prudence) most beloved traditions was her annual Christmas celebration. Each year, she chose a new theme and began crafting decorations months in advance, setting a high standard and encouraging creative contributions from family members. For decades, the unveiling of her intricate, miniature themed “Christmas Egg” was a cherished highlight of the season, often accompanied by an original story or song. Indeed, to her family, Prudence was the embodiment of the spirit of Christmas: joy, generosity, and a celebration of childhood that bridged all ages. Her final Christmas, celebrated in the hospital on December 22, drew family and friends of all ages together for one last ‘Aunt Prudy Christmas’. They sang carols, exchanged gifts, and filled the room with laughter and love. In a fitting moment, Prudence surprised everyone by joining in on the final note of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” pitch-perfect.

Prudence was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved nephew Mason Bell, and her great-great-nephews Jasper Kendall Grafel and Emmanuel Joshua Jones.

She is survived by her brother, Dennis Bell (Adda) of Longford, Kansas; her sister-in-law Melinda Carlson of Atwood; nieces Gwendolyn Jones (Gregory) of Atwood, Sarah Thompson (Mike) of Binghamton, New York, and Susan Bell Flavin (Eric) of Wexford, Ireland; great-nephews and great-nieces Josiah Jones (Mandi) of Atwood, Kansas, Elijah Jones (Andi) of Denver, Colorado, Mariah Jones of Kearney, Nebraska, Susannah Louderbaugh (Hudson) of Tribune, Kansas, Noah Jones (Sarah) of McDonald, Kansas, Aliah Jones of Estes Park, Colorado, LCpl. Obadiah Jones of Camp Pendleton, California, Kelly Thompson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rory Thompson of Fairfield, Connecticut, Belle Flavin of Groningen, Netherlands, Úna Fae Flavin, Evangeline Flavin, and Nathaniel Flavin of Wexford, Ireland; as well as 18 great-great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place in summer 2025 at the convenience of the family, details will be forthcoming to those who wish to attend. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Atwood, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Atwood Public Library, Rawlins County Museum, the Jayhawk Theatre, or the Rawlins County Health Center, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences, visit baalmannmortuary.com.