Lalla Bell

Lalla June Freebairn Bell

November 9, 1927 - July 3, 2025

Lalla June Freebairn Bell passed away peacefully at Sunridge Assisted Living in West Jordan, Utah, on July 3, 2025.  At 97 years old, it's difficult to imagine the depth and breadth of her life’s perspective and wisdom. Throughout her life, Lalla allowed both the sorrowful and the joyful experiences to deepen her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Lalla was born in American Fork, Utah, on November 9, 1927 to John Hamilton Freebairn Sr. and Sarah Eliza Russell. Her five siblings (Samuel Russell, Mary Jean, Mary’s twin, John Hamilton Jr., and Carol Athlene) preceded her in death.

Lalla was married and sealed to Fred Eugene Bell in the Logan Utah Temple on September 17, 1962 and had three children together: Reuel, John, and Sarah. In raising her children, she exemplified what true motherhood is all about. In 1988, Fred passed away and Lalla had lived alone ever since. Her family finds great comfort in knowing they've had a tender, joyful reunion and are finally together once again.

Being a grandmother was one of Lalla’s greatest joys. She loved to spoil her grandchildren with clever treasure hunts around her house, taking them on walks, going to the park to play, feeding them Symphony chocolate bars, snacks and treats, and giving plenty of hugs and kisses. She had a way of making the ordinary things of life, like washing dishes, seem fun and whimsical. She shared her creativity when crafting with her grandchildren using paper scraps, left over bottle caps, tissue boxes, and all kinds of odds and ends. They always came away with a Grandma Bell masterpiece to display proudly.

Family, here on earth and on the other side of the veil, is paramount to her, and she always said her family was her greatest blessing. A visit from her family always prompted Lalla to throw her hands in the air with a big smile on her face and squeal with delight.

Lalla saw Mother Earth as a gift from God and marveled at its beauty and complexity. She was known to collect and press leaves, enjoy flowers of every kind, and care for the birds and little animal friends along her way with her tender heart. Planting flowers, gardening, canning, and bottling preserves were other ways that Lalla connected with nature.

Handwritten letters were a frequent gift from Lalla. Her beautiful cursive letters always spoke of gratitude, eternal truths, and "glorious" joy. She loved to close her letters with the words, “Love, Gnolaum” which means “eternal” or “everlasting”.

To Lalla, others’ comfort always came first before her own and she led a Christ-like life of giving generously of herself. Her greatest service to the Lord was the way she loved and served others (Matthew 25:34-40). She never let anyone leave without offering a snack or something to eat-- she was famous for her homemade chocolate cake, graham cracker chocolate frosting cookies, concord grape juice, and bread with butter. She rarely complained and always strived to see the good in life, no matter her circumstances. She took great joy in seeing others succeed. She set a great example for her family to follow, and she loved without limits.

Whether she was out in nature or spending time with family, she felt like every moment was worth capturing. She was known to make the camera gesture with her hands and say, “Picture moment!” Over the course of her life, she took thousands of photos that encompassed the beauty she recognized in the world around her. She loved spending time in places like her family cabin in American Fork Canyon, Millcreek Canyon, and Immigration Canyon. The autumn leaves always inspired her with a sense of awe and gratitude, and she loved playing in them with her children.

More than anything, Lalla was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. In 1958, having served in the British Isles Mission, she sailed home on the Queen Mary and often recounted stories from her time there. She constantly testified of the Savior and shared the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone she met– family, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. Her passion for the Book of Mormon inspired many around her to read it for themselves. Her sweet prayers with her Heavenly Father were always heartfelt and genuine. Honesty and integrity were at the heart of all she did. She often shared how blessed she felt to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and always invited others to hear the message of the gospel. In every aspect of her life, she was valiant in her testimony of Jesus Christ. Lalla was the epitome of a faithful, joyful saint. “Heaven knows!”

While blowing a kiss and giving a wave, we are eternally grateful for the difference that Lalla has made in the lives of all who knew her. “Cheery bye for now!”

Her memorial and interment was held July 11th, 2025 at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery,