Belvia L "Bell" Watson

Due to inclement weather, the Celebration of Life Service for Belvia L. "Bell" Watson has been rescheduled for Monday, March 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Christian Homes Care Community at Holdrege, Nebraska with Chaplain DeWane Dow officiating.

A private family inurnment will be held at the Alma Cemetery at Alma, Nebraska at a later date.

Belvia Lou "Bell" Watson, 83 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege.  Belvia was born September 1, 1935 at Beaver City, Nebraska, the second of three children born to Earl and Ruby (Smith) Barngrover.  She received her education from Beaver City High School.

Following her education, Bell was united in marriage to Gene Hewett of Almena, Kansas on November 26, 1952, and to this union three children were born:  Trixie, Teresa, and Michael.  The family made their home in several communities in Kansas, until settling to Bunker Hill, Kansas, where her husband, Gene taught school.  When the children were young, Bell focused her efforts as a stay-at-home mother and cared for their every need.

In the years to come, Bell would make her home in Harlan County and Phelps County area for the remainder of her years.  On January 25, 1970, she was united in marriage to Arliegh Watson.  The couple enjoyed owning and operating, Watson Singer and Fabric Sewing Center in Alma for many years.  In later years, they moved to Loomis, Nebraska, where they purchased the grocery store in Loomis, which they operated for a few years.  After selling the grocery store, they moved back to Alma for their retirement years.  They enjoyed traveling together in their retirement years in their motorhome.  Throughout this time, Bell was also employed at the Harlan County Hospital in Alma.  On April 30, 1997, she was preceded by her husband, Arliegh.  Bell then moved to Holdrege to be near her daughters.  While in Holdrege, Bell was employed at the Americana Plus/My Fair Ladies in downtown Holdrege for several years, where she also enjoyed being a vender with her crafts.  She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  Bell was loved by many, and will be deeply missed by all who crossed her path in life.  Peace be to her memory.

Besides her husband, Arliegh; Bell was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers:  Wesley and Dean Barngrover; and a grandson, Jesse Swearingen.

Bell leaves to celebrate her life; her two daughters:  Trixie Swearingen and her husband, Randy of rural Holdrege; and Teresa Weggans of Minden, Nebraska; one son, Michael Watson and his wife, Cheri of Coushatta, Louisiana; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; with another one on the way; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation, the family is honoring her wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Bell's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements .