THAYER – Vera Mae Bell, 91, of Thayer, formerly of Belpre, passed away on June 16, 2025, in Krakow, Poland. Vera was born in Lawrence, on July 16, 1933, the second of six children to Violet McConnell Dorton and Joseph Dorton. She was raised in Carmen, Oklahoma, graduating from Carmen High School in 1951.
Vera graduated with a registered nursing certificate from Wesley Hospital in Wichita. She worked as a nurse at the Kinsley, Kansas Hospital and for many years at the Larned State Hospital in Larned. Vera and Donnie also engaged in a second career, farming and ranching.
On Aug. 22, 1954, Vera married Donnie Bell. They shared 62 years of marriage before his passing in 2017. To this union three children were born: Kenneth Bell, Deanne Bell Vogts and Gregory Bell.
Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie; son, Kenneth Bell; two brothers, Bob Dorton and Claud Dorton; and sisters-in-law, Susan Dorton and Louise Dorton. She is survived by children Deanne (Jeff) Vogts and Greg (Marsha) Bell; nine grandchildren, Michelle Vogts, Kristen Morris, Adam Vogts, Eric Vogts, Tucker Bell, Ashtyn Bell, Cooper Bell, Adam Potter, Mallory Potter; nine great-grandchildren; brothers Vernon Dorton, Albert (Gayle) Dorton and Donney Dorton; sisters-in-law Reta Bell and Ruth Bell; and her best friend, Diana Gibson.
Vera was bright, curious, accepting and generous. Everyone was welcome at her table. She was a friend to many and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community. While spending time with family was her favorite pastime, she also enjoyed traveling, collecting dolls and miniatures, and a cold margarita.
A celebration of life will be held at the Thayer Community Center on Sept. 27, from 1-3 p.m. Memorials may be sent to the Thayer Library, 115 Neosho Street, Thayer, KS 66776.
