Janet Lee (Bland) Bell, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 3rd, 2020. She was born September 18, 1945, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Floyd and Bertha Bland. The family moved to Salina, Kansas when she was a young girl, and she remained in Salina the rest of her life, a community she dearly loved.
On July 29, 1962, Janet married the love of her life, Scotty E. Bell. She graduated from Salina Central High School in May of 1963. Together they raised five children who survive her today; Melody HInnenkamp (Leo), Kara Fiske (Darrell), Nellye Bell-Wood (John), Rena Bell-Bila (the late Rick Bila) and Jason Bell (Kris). She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Merrill.
Janet had many grandchildren who were the light of her life! She spoke of them often and enjoyed celebrating their accomplishments. She supported her children and grandchildren in all of their passions and activities, and they knew they could count on her to be present. Whether it was the annual Saline County 4-H Fair, a dance recital, a fishing tournament, sporting event or band concert, she was present when possible and cheering each on. She is survived by her grandchildren, Vanessa Fiske-Kremer, Matt Bengtson, James Bengtson, Elizabeth Smith, Faith Bila, Brock Bila, Jenn Bila-Lambert, Kim Blizzard, Jake Funk, Abby Funk, Astin Byer, Blake Bell, and Colton Bell. Janet also had many great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly who brought her great joy.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Darlene Perkins, and two grandchildren, Rachelle Marie Sullivan and Aaron Fiske.
Janet and Scotty owned and operated several restaurants in Salina for over 40 years, the last before retiring was Scotty's Cafe. Over the years the couple and staff provided many meals to their loyal customers, who were like family to them. Janet was a service-minded lady who always reached out to help those in need. She loved hosting large family events. There were often over 100 people in attendance at family reunions and holiday celebrations on the family farm just outside of Salina. She truly loved seeing other people have fun!
Janet lived a full life and always made the best of whatever life brought her way. She was a two-time lymphoma survivor. The last two years brought additional health battles and she fought courageously to come home from a lengthy hospital stay in time to see two grandsons graduate high school in May 2019. She made it. She also looked forward to the holidays back at her farm and she enjoyed one more Christmas there last year!
Janet never took life for granted and one of the great joys she had was dancing with her husband, Scotty. When the two hit the dance floor, they never missed a beat. She loved her family and was always there to make a birthday cake or host a celebration. She loved providing a place for the people of Salina to come have a hot meal and felt Scotty's Cafe employees and customers were family. Janet always had a warm welcome for all at her farm as well. Everyone had a spot at the table.
Please join her family in celebrating her life. A visitation will be held on Friday evening, October 9th, from 6-8:00 pm at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, Kansas. A funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church, 2727 E. Crawford, Salina, Kansas, on October 10th at 10 am. Janet will be laid to rest in Greenville Cemetery in Niles, Kansas, following the service.
Facial Masks will be required at all events. Please be respectful and follow all social distancing protocols.