Lauryn Bell

Lauryn DeVone Bell, 24, of Ammon, passed away April 3, 2023, at her home. She was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice and her loving family.

Lauryn was born February 11, 1999, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Justin Dennis Bell and Kalli Geneve Young Bell, while her father attended dental school. As the third child born to her parents, her two older siblings, CJ and Lindsey, were ecstatic the day she was brought home. Lauryn was a beautiful, happy baby, and developed like any other baby girl. She spoke her first words, crawled, fed herself, and played with her big brother and sister. At 10 months old, Lauryn started to show signs of regression and lost her ability to crawl, talk, and control the use of her hands and legs. Her parents searched restlessly for answers. After seeing countless doctors and specialists, and putting her through numberless tests, Lauryn was finally diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at the age of 22 months. The doctors told her parents that she would never live a normal life; and they were right – her life was anything but normal.

Lauryn’s light was undeniable. Her big, gleaming, brown eyes, and sweet smile drew you in whether you liked it or not. She could turn the hardest of hearts into mush, and bring joy to the saddest of souls. Lauryn had a lasting effect on those that were blessed to be near her, always changing them for the better, always showing them love and light. She was sunshine wherever she went – an earthbound angel that helped others feel the brightness of Heaven.

Through her experiences in school, church, and at home, so many people were drawn to Lauryn because of the light she carried. Lauryn’s family liked to joke that being in public with Lauryn was like being with a celebrity. People opened doors, cleared walkways, let them cut lines, bought them dinner, and treated her like royalty.

Lauryn suffered innumerable health complications that gradually put her in near-constant pain. She was stubborn and fought hard, still managing to smile and belly-laugh at times through it all. Even when there were no answers to what her syndrome had brought upon her, she kept fighting till the end. She suffered long, but was always kind and patient with a heavenly perspective. She endured gracefully with Christ and His many angels alongside her. We are so grateful for many selfless people who made the beautiful story of her life – family, friends, neighbors, classmates, teachers, therapists, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, strangers, and countless others.

Lauryn is survived by her loving parents, Justin and Kalli Bell of Ammon, ID; brother, CJ (Jordan) Bell of Cleveland, OH; sister, Lindsey (Brock) Mackintosh of Idaho Falls; brother, Jaxon Bell of Logan, UT; brother, Elder Statler Bell, currently serving a mission in Columbus, OH; sister, Faith Bell of Ammon; grandparents, Dennis and Marsha Bell of Idaho Falls, Kent and Veda Young of Idaho Falls, and Kathleen Campbell of Idaho Falls; numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Ammon Idaho North Stake Center, 4363 E. 17th Street, with President Chris Kunz of the Ammon Idaho North Stake officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.