Jackie Bell

Jackie Ruth Bell, 64, of Safford, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2016 in Tucson. She was born on September 17, 1951 in Safford, to Milton Taylor Rhea and June Martin Rhea. Jackie grew up in the Klondike Araviapa area. She graduated from Safford High School. After High School she married Bill Versteeg who was serving in the U.S. Air force, moving to various places including; Michigan, Illinois, and New Mexico. While in Illinois she attended and graduated from Bellevue College with her Bachelors Degree. She and Bill later divorced. She married Gene Bell while living in New Mexico, they later moved back to AZ. Gene passed away in 2012. Jackie loved to bowl, cross stitch, play the piano, and loved her cats. She is survived by her son Russell Versteeg (Amber) of Glendale; daughter, Jaime Versteeg of Mesa; and her father Milt Rhea of Safford; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother June, and her husband Gene. Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the Safford Cemetery, with Pastor Dustin Willey, of the Thatcher First Baptist Church, officiating.