Lawrence Bell, M.D.

Lawrence C. Bell, M.D. passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at the age of 73.   L.C. Bell was loved and admired by his family and friends.  A resident of Española for the last 39 years, it was his time, though punctuality was not one of his notable assets.  He was a well know 5 ball juggler who often noted that “I think I juggle, therefore I am.”  He was preceded in death by his parents:  Harold and Martha Bell of Evansville, Indiana, and by his In-laws:  Ben and Genevieve Barth of Evansville, Indiana.  Nancy and Larry were married for 49 years, they had 2 wonderful children:  Joann Montoya and Jennifer Bell.  Dr. Bell earned his doctorate of Medicine at Indiana University, graduating in 1970, then served an internship and residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado.  Finishing the residency, he spent 2 years as a Major in the United States Air Force.  Next, he set out to find the place that would support him throughout his surgical years, making Española, New Mexico his home from 1977-2017.  Española was well known to him, having come to the area nearly yearly for vacation to visit his uncle, Samuel R. Ziegler, M.D.  After operating on thousands of the population, he decided to retire, despite his love of surgery and helping people, and did so on April Fool’s Day 2004.  Arthritis slowed him down the next few years, but becoming a fan of World of Warcraft helped pass the time.  During retirement he spent his spare time with his family, listening to music, photography, reading, and playing with his dog Sancho.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy, 2 daughters, Joann and husband Kelly Montoya, and Jennifer Bell, 2 grandchildren, Kayla and Orlando “Nano” Montoya, and sister Linda and husband Greg Branch.  Memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Valley View United Methodist Church in Espanola. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions may be made to Valley View United Methodist Church.  The family of Lawrence C. Bell, M.D. has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477 – www.devargasfuneral.com