Long time San Luis Valley resident, Virginia Ann Bell De Lello passed away on January 17th at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs.

Virginia was born on May 11th 1945 in Panama City, Florida to Flossie and Lee Roy Bell. Virginia grew up in the Panama City area, graduating from Bay High School. As a young woman she enjoyed spending time having fun at the beach with her cousin, Carol Bell. 

Virginia enjoyed many activities. She was a very devoted mother to her only daughter, volunteering for various PTA and extracurricular activities.  She attended LPN school at San Luis Valley Vocational School with her daughter and worked many years as a nurse at the Alamosa Hospital. She was also a devoted wife of almost 40 years and a grandmother of three boys. Virginia enjoyed bowling and participating in state bowling tournaments with the girls. She also was an exceptional artist; her paintings can be seen in many places around the country. She had the pleasure of being a founding member and serve as the first president of the Rocky Mountain Artist Association.  Many friends and family members will continue to enjoy and appreciate her works of art. Virginia also enjoyed playing the slot machines with her friends at various casinos.  Virginia was a very compassionate soul; she would never let an animal go without food or water. On numerous occasions she would drive to the prairie during inclement weather to ensure a stray would not go hungry.

Survivors include her husband, Rodney Reinhardt of the family home; her daughter, Nicole De Lello- Reinhardt of Fountain, CO; her three grandsons, Aaron Berkhoff, Ryan Berkhoff, and Brody Hunter all of Fountain, CO; her sister, Linda Bonney of Panama City, FL; her brother, Glen Bell of Zephyr Hills, FL;  her cousin, Carol Bell of Panama City, FL; her aunt, Mary Bell of Panama City, FL;  as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and in-laws who will miss her greatly.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Roy and Flossie Bell; and half brother, Leon Harding.

Cremation was chosen and a celebration of life will be held May 11th for friends and family.

The arrangements have been entrusted to Paula and Jimmy Cappadona of Cappadona Funeral Home in Colorado Springs.   In lieu of flowers or gifts, Virginia would have appreciated a donation to the Valley Humane League.