Lydia J. Bell

Lydia Bell, 77, of Kearney, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney. The family requests casual dress, especially purple in color if you have it. Interment will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Lydia “Tink” Bell was born on October 8, 1948, in Holdrege, Nebraska, to Keith and Jane (Ruff) Bell. At age 11, she moved with her parents and younger sister, Linda, to California, where she later graduated from Aviation High School in Redondo Beach with the Class of 1966. In her young adult years, Tink embraced life with curiosity and adventure, working a variety of jobs and making unforgettable memories with her closest friends. In 1980, she returned to Nebraska, settling in Kearney, where she built a long and dedicated career in manufacturing, including many years with Eaton Corporation until her retirement in 2007. For the past twenty years, she shared a home with her lifelong best friend and sister, Linda, enjoying a simple and steady life in the place she knew best. Family was at the center of Tink’s world, and her favorite role of all was being “Aunt” to her dear nieces and nephews. She was also “Mom” to her sweet dogs, who were among the great loves of her life. She treasured her extended family as well, especially her cousins, and remained close to them even when distance made visits less frequent. In her free time, Tink enjoyed exploring her family’s history through genealogy, quilting, diamond art, coloring, and tending to her yard and flower beds. She loved a good, cold Coca-Cola and had a lifelong affection for sci-fi shows and movies. She was a loyal and steady friend, staying connected and making time for the people who mattered to her. Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Linda Allgood; her nephew, Keith Allgood, and his wife, Vanessa; her great-niece, Viviann Allgood; her niece, Kami Johannes, and her husband, Justin; and her great-nephews and great-niece, Jack, Luke, and Shaela Johannes. She is also survived by extended family and many cousins who were dear to her. Tink was preceded in death by her parents, Keith and Jane Bell; aunt, Winifred Enquist; nephew, Jonathan Allgood; many other aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her many loved fur babies.

Lydia J. Bell

October 8, 1948 - November 23, 2025