Anna Mae Bell, a beloved soul who touched many lives, passed away at 91, surrounded by family at home on Friday, October 31, 2025.
She was lovingly nicknamed Nannan by her 6 grandchildren and later coined the nickname, Yahtzee Queen.
Born Anna Mae Raines in Hamblen County, Tennessee, to Delaniel and Mary (Senter) Raines on March 26th, 1934. The family moved to Northern Indiana when she was a young teenager, and Anna graduated from Rolling Prairie High School in 1952. In 1955, Anna married the love of her life, Richard A. Bell and they had 3 beautiful children: Richard (Donna) Bell Jr, Roger (Rhonda) Bell, and Maria (Joseph) Keeton. She loved Richard long after he passed, always keeping his memory alive for her 6 grandchildren- her loveys- Brienna, Rebekah, Amanda, Ashton, Tristan, and Katelyn. Living up to her name- The Yahtzee Queen- Nannan would beat the socks off of anyone who tried to throw the dice as precisely as she did. Always (lovingly) saying she didn’t know how she did it- she just did. She loved to go for walks in her younger years, as she never drove, she was a mighty fine passenger princess.
Anna worked as a nurse, tutor, and volunteered her time at a local resale shop. She truly enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels with her best friend, Dixie Johnson. Anna was a true homemaker; she did everything with a full heart and soft hands. One of the things she enjoyed the most was spending time with her family and friends, including her “man friend” Dave Rhykus. Anna and Dave traveled all over the US in their younger years, attending concerts and never turning down an adventure. Anna enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, and playing games. However, her absolute favorite things were the Chicago Cubs and George Strait. She always said she was so lucky to watch the Cubs win the World Series in 2016. There isn’t a George Strait song that she didn’t love- singing along and tapping her hand until her final days. Nannan had an unforgettable smile and a contagious laugh, always bringing happiness and joy to those around her.
Anna is survived by her children, grandchildren, her siblings, Dorothy (Les) Krause, Helen Ackley, and Linda (George) Davis, and many nieces and nephews.
Anna is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings: Aggie, Jim, David, Shirley, and Harold, the love of her life, Richard, and her best friend, Dixie. Visitation will be at Newhard Funeral Home in Westville, Indiana, on Wednesday, November 5th, 4-8 pm CST. Visitation Thursday, November 6th, from 10 -11 am with a service to follow. Private burial to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the La Porte County Library.
