Ada Christellia Jeffrey Bell

Ada was born in Timiskaming Ontario(near Timmins) –On August 15 1915
At the age of three Ada and her family headed West, stopping in Saskatchewan where they lived with an uncle for the winter. Then left for the Peace River country, stopping at Lake Saskatoon. They built a house and got the older children settled in school.
During this time Mr. Jeffrey cooked in Tie Camps as the railway was planning to expand, and did carpenter work.
The family met the Clark Brothers from Montney whom discussed the family moving to Montney at a later date.
Ada mentioned from time to time how helpful the Natives were at Lake Saskatoon, showing them the wild plants that would add greenery to the diet and how to snare a rabbit.
In 1923 the Hamlet of Lake Saskatoon became Wembley, old buildings were removed and new ones built. There was a new school and other amenities.
In 1932 the family moved to Montney, staying with the Clark Brothers at the tin shack, while Mr. Jeffery built a two storey Log house( still standing today).
Ada was 16 years of age at this time she helped with chores, gardening and did house keeping for neighbors and helped with children. The pay was $5 per month.
In 1934 Ada married Jack Bell. They built a log home, barns etc and started raising a family which grew to be six boys and three girls. From time to time helped raise some grandchildren.
She took time to play a little ball with the little ones and had a ghost in the trees near by at Halloween. Ada attended ball games and loved the shadow socials, box socials and Montney dances usually with small children, who slept under the bench. This was at a time when the U S soldiers attended the social events, and were very generous in purchasing the lunch baskets. The ladies got to meet a soldier and dads stayed in the Hall.
A number of people in Montney became actors and actresses and put on one act plays for the community. Ada loved these plays and became a good actress.
Ada spent many years working with the North Pine Fall Fair board, taking entries, assigning booths to organizations.
In 1978/79 Jack and Ada moved to Fort. St. John. Jack was not well and Ada cared for him. Jack passed away in 1981. This left a void in Ada’s life. She soon found some activities to fill in the time.
She lent a hand to the Seniors club in Fort St. John. At first it was once a week then two days a week. They played lawn bowling, floor curling, carpet bowling and CARDS. Her favorite game was nil.
The Seniors became competitive and Ada spent many summers travelling to other communities for games. One year she won the outstanding performance trophy, as she had won floor curling,lawn bowling and hit some homeruns.
These activities kept her young at heart and mind for many years.
Ada did some travelling bus tours to Regina and Nevada to try out the casino’s, Two trips to England, one with Sister Evelyn, another with daughter Marilyn,adding a tour to Scotland. Then to Singapore to visit Bob and Marion and family. Lyman and Jean accompiand her.
In 2002 Ada moved into Haritage 1, an independant apartment, at the time dedicated to Seniors. She very much enjoyed the commadery, with all so near the same age and many engaged in the GAMES.
In 2007 Ada moved to Peace Villa. Did well and enjoyed herself and helped others. Then had a stroke which meant no more cards.
Ada passed away Peacefully Nov. 16 2016.
Ada has 28 grand children, 44 great grandchildren and 8 Great Great granchildren
Ada is predeased by her Parents Alice and Noah Jeffrey. Her two sisters Tressa Turner and Evelyn Sheehan, brothers Bert, Norman, and George, husband Jack, baby daughter Hilda, grandson Brett, granddaughter Stacey, greatgrandson Michael and son inlaws Lyman and Huey, grandsoninlaw Dennis.
Our Family feel blessed to have had her with us for these many years.