FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Isabella “Bell” May Schwenk
04/26/1940 — 03/13/2014
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Seattle, WA
Isabella “Bell” May Schwenk
Isabella "Bell" May Schwenk 1940-2014
Isabella "Bell" May Minter Schwenk, age 73 was born on 4/26/1940 in Seattle, WA and passed away 3/13/2014 with family at her side, at Kadlec Medical Center, Richland, WA after a courageous battle with heart disease.
Bell was born to Arthur and Jeanie Minter on 4/26/1940 in Seattle, WA. Bell grew up in West Seattle; participating in Job's Daughters activities. As a young teenage girl, she met the love of her life, Earl Barner Schwenk, Jr. and his family. Bell was Earl's Chapter sweetheart when he was Master Councilor of Seattle Chapter of DeMolay 1955. She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1958. After graduating high school, she spent time in her mother's hair salon "The Heather Wave Salon" and attended cosmetology school. September 2, 1960, Bell married her loving husband of 53 years.
Bell and Earl moved from Seattle to Richland, WA in 1967 where they raised 4 daughters. She was a member of Northwest United Protestant Church since 1967 where she was a member of the choir for many years, as well as being an active participant and volunteer; She joined Mother's of Multiples in 1973, both which she remained very involved and made many life-long friends. Bell was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed making clothes and later other projects for her daughters, grandchildren, friends and several organizations. While raising a family, Bell was also a big support to Earl in all his educational and professional endeavors both prior to their marriage until the day she passed. Bell also had many "other kids and grandkids" in which she formed close relationships over the years; many are now grown children who were friends and neighbors of her daughters, and grandsons, as well as many small children she provided care for in her home over the years. She enjoyed watching them all, in addition to her own grown children having families of their own. Bell maintained many close relationships; remaining in contact with as many as she could keep up with until just prior to her passing. She was known as "Mama Bell" and "Grandma Bell" to only a select few; all of which know who you are.
After raising 4 daughters, Bell worked at Hancock Fabrics, Fabricland, JoAnns Fabrics, and Perk's Sewing and Yarn in Richland, WA. Bell's biggest priority was her husband and family. She took great pride in being present and involved in her children and grandchildren's athletic, and music events. She was always quick to proudly describe her 4 daughters and their educational and professional accomplishments. Bell's ultimate pride and joy are her grandchildren. She supported all her grandchildren; even learning to love the game of football and baseball as she and Earl rarely missed any game or tournament in or out of town, making numerous trips across WA and OR. Bell continued her interests and talents as a seamstress and was a particular lover of all family dogs. Upon retiring Bell became very active in supporting and attending events with her husband through the Richland Masonic Lodge #283, The Scottish Rite Kennewick Valley, and Masada Shrine and Desert Patrol.
Bell is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Earl B. Schwenk, Jr. Daughters, Jeanie Schwenk Jeff Wolkenhauer of Hillsboro, OR, Heather Schwenk Thomas of Kennewick WA, Crystal Schwenk of Bellevue, WA and Cheryl Schwenk Brian Frost of Kirkland, WA. Grandchildren, Emily James of Portland, OR, Jordon Thomas of Bothell, WA, Austin Thomas of West Seattle, WA, Selena Wolkenhauer and Marcus Wolkenhauer of Hillsboro, OR and Peyton Frost of Kirkland, WA. Brother Douglas Minter Cynthia of Southern CA, Aunt Michi Pope of Vashon Island, WA and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Bell could always be depended on to go the extra mile, always being very active and supportive in the lives of all those whose lives she touched.
Bell enjoyed being a big part of her husband's, children's and grandchildren's lives as well as remaining active in multiple activities and social events. She enjoyed grandchildren, sewing, crocheting, knitting and the Mariners. Bell was preceded in death by her parents, Jeanie and Arthur Minter, in-laws Emily and Earl B. Schwenk Sr., sister-in-law Emily Jean Brooks, Uncle William Pope and special friend and confidant, Barb Lewandowski.
Viewing will be Friday, March 28, 5:00 – 8:00 pm at Einan's Funeral Home. Services will be held on Saturday, March 29th at 2:00 p.m. at Northwest United Protestant Church with graveside service, and reception to follow.
Flowers if you wish, but remembrances can also be sent to the Spokane Shiners' Hospital or to Scottish Rite, Rite Care of Washington childhood speech language program
Please visit schwenkfamily.com
I was so sorry to learn about Bell’s passing.
I am a member of Northwest United Protestant Church in Richland, Wa. Bell and I worked together on the hospitality and wedding committee. At one wedding reception Bell and I were the only two, when the wedding party ask us “if we had any other help.” We said “No.” So the whole wedding party pitched in and helped us clean up. We were thankful for the help.
Barb Jensen,Bell Schwenk and I would go out for “Birthday Lunch” together. I will miss this.
Bell will be greatly missing.
Sincerely
Pat Cahow
I was so sad to hear about Bell’s passing. She was a wonderful friend and co-worker. She will be greatly missed . Love and prayers to the family. Marsha Lee
I was so sorry to learn about Bell’s passing.
I am a member of Northwest United Protestant Church in Richland, Wa. Bell and I worked together on the hospitality and wedding committee. At one wedding reception Bell and I were the only two, when the wedding party ask us “if we had any other help.” We said “No.” So the whole wedding party pitched in and helped us clean up. We were thankful for the help.
Barb Jensen,Bell Schwenk and I would go out for “Birthday Lunch” together. I will miss this.
Bell will be greatly missing.
Sincerely
Pat Cahow
I was so sad to hear about Bell’s passing. She was a wonderful friend and co-worker. She will be greatly missed . Love and prayers to the family. Marsha Lee
Clare always wanted a grandma that gave hugs and love. She says that she misses her Grandma Bell “too much”. It is such an important feeling for a child to feel wanted. Bell was so accepting and kind to myself and my family. She
gave Clare such a special gift by telling her that she would be her Grandma. I was honored and touched by the gesture.
To all surviving members of the family with whom I am acquainted and to those I have not met, please accept accept my sincerest sympathies, especially on losing a loved one at such a young age. Although I do not recall having personally met “Bell”, our femilies share her name, with a cousin Isabelle in France, and a teenage granddaughter Isabel, in Ohio.
Bell was a great sister in law and friend for many years. I will miss our conversations of each of our children. It was always great to “catch up” with her. She is and will be missed by many for her caring for many.
Sending our deepest condolences… You are all in our thoughts. We still enjoy the beautiful blanket that Bell made for Kayla when she was a baby. It is very special to us. We hope you find comfort in all the beautiful memories you have from all the lives Bell touched. Sending our love…
Earl: We are very sorry to know about the passing away of Bella’s soul to heavenly abode. May God rest her soul in peace and give you and your family the courage to bear the irreparable loss. My wife Surinder and I met Bella on numerous festive occasions and enjoyed her company in exchanging mutual thoughts. She was a wonderful person with caring and pleasant personality. Our prayers and thought are with you and your family.
Guestbook for
Isabella “Bell” May Schwenk