Virginia 'Ginger' Irene Bell, 80

Virginia Irene Bell “Ginger,” 80 of Hayden, Idaho, passed away peacefully Oct. 26, 2025, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene. Ginger was born April 25, 1945, in Renton, Wash., to Floyd and Daisy (Nickerson) Kienholz.

At the age of 5, the family moved to Kingston, Idaho. When Ginger was 16, she met the love of her life, Earl Bell. They were married June 2, 1962, at her family’s home in Kingston, and later moved to Coeur d’Alene, then to Hayden, where they raised five children. Ginger was a stay-at-home mom who did child care, raising many more children than her own. She dabbled in floral arranging, sold Avon and was an amazing seamstress!

At age 3, Ginger was sickened with polio, paralyzing her left side for six months. Through many years of therapy, she made a great recovery. Growing to 4 feet, 11 inches and 80 pounds, she outlived her seven siblings.

Ginger had a huge heart and loved children. She enjoyed shopping at thrift stores, traveling, bowling, her bible studies, her church and the closeness of her neighborhood friends. She always attended all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s events. Ginger was a member of Anthem Hayden Church, formerly Hayden Friends Church. She resided in her Hayden home until six days before going into Hospice House.

She is survived by her children: Gloria (Steve) Andrews of Coeur d’Alene, Ronnie Bell, Cathy Bell of Hayden, Jeff (Amy) Bell of Coeur d’Alene and Corey (Kristen) Bell of Coeur d’Alene; grandchildren: Ryan Hendry, Melissa Clarke, Heather (Logan) Meyer, Jake Andrews, Mariah (Bryan) Smith, Katie (Casey) McMahon, Jason Sprague, Sydney Bell, Emily Clarke, Hunter Bell, Wesley Bell, Hannah Bell; and 13 great-grandchildren, with one great-great-grandson. Ginger is preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her parents, Floyd and Daisy Kienholz; her siblings, Pearl, Art, Ernie, Steve, Nancy and Lyle; and her grandson, Tyler Hendry.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at Anthem Hayden Church, 251 Miles Ave., Hayden, ID 83835, followed by a graveside service at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens in Coeur d’Alene. Please consider wearing pink in honor of Ginger — she loved pink!

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Ginger’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.