Elaine Marie Bell (née Venverloh, formerly Winka)

Elaine Marie Bell (née Venverloh, formerly Winka), a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, in Tyler, Texas, at the age of 76. Born on July 13, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, Elaine lived a life defined by resilience, devotion, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family.

Elaine's professional life reflected her remarkable versatility. She began her career as a nurse in the labor and delivery department at St. Anthony Hospital in 1974. Beginning in 1986 she managed the books for her family's pharmacy business which she continued to do for many years. Later, after obtaining a degree in paralegal studies in her 40s, she worked for the private client investment group at Bank of America. In the 2010s, she went on to play an essential role in her husband's gunsmithing businesses, handling accounts and ensuring smooth daily operations. In every role she held, Elaine brought integrity, intelligence, and care.

Elaine was a proud graduate of Bishop Dubourg High School, Class of 1967. She earned her nursing degree from St. Louis Community College at Forest Park in 1974, and later pursued her passion for learning by earning a degree in paralegal studies from Webster University in 1997. Her lifelong intellectual curiosity was a defining part of who she was.

Above all, Elaine's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, David Louis Bell, and a loving mother to her children, Paul Winka (Karina) and Becky Winka-Nordmann (Timothy). She is also survived by her brothers, Thomas Venverloh and Christopher Venverloh (Kathy), and her cherished sisters, Annette Gallahue (Bill) and Laura Marino (Joe). Her family will forever treasure the countless memories of her unconditional love, strength, and steady presence.

Often a quiet hero behind the scenes, Elaine steadfastly supported those around her with grace and humility. She nurtured relationships, strengthened families, and helped the businesses she served to thrive. Her warm smile, gentle encouragement, and uplifting spirit made everyone she met feel valued. In her church community, she was especially admired for her vibrant personality, joyful faith, and ability to lift others up.

Elaine's life was enriched by many interests. She loved genealogy, sewing, cooking, traveling, antiquing, and had a special fondness for fashion and country music. Her faith was central to her life-she found great joy in attending church functions and offering heartfelt praise to the Lord.

Elaine was a member of the West Erwin Church of Christ and the philanthropic organization P.E.O..

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Jerome Venverloh and Eleanor Venverloh (née Kimmich). The legacy she leaves behind is one of resilience, kindness, warmth, and enduring love-a reminder to all who knew her of the deep importance of family and compassion. Though she will be dearly missed, her spirit lives on through the lives she touched and the many memories she created.

Services will be held at the West Erwin Church of Christ, 420 W. Erwin Street, Tyler, Texas, 75702, 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Interment will be at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date in St. Louis.