Encompasses Four Generations It all started in 1922 when Wilford F. Bell began working as an assistant at the Tucker Funeral Home in Malta. He wasn’t licensed yet, and Mr. Tucker wanted Wilford to get his training and license to practice in funeral service. So, in 1923, Wilford packed up his wife and daughter to head to San Bernardino, California. During the trip south, he had to overhaul his car’s motor in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the trip ended up taking a month. When the family finally arrived in San Bernardino, Wilford attended mortuary science school and worked for the City of San Bernardino. While in California, his son, Carl W. Bell, was born in August 1924. Wilford wasn’t even planning to go home to Malta, but Mr. Tucker requested he come back, and the family made the decision to move back in 1930. A few months later, Wilford moved one block south and opened the Bell Funeral Home in 1930. Ninety-two years ago, things were different. Motorized funeral processions were available, but horse-drawn wagon hearses were still being used. As in all of Montana, the population was much more rural, and funeral arrangements were often made in the homes of the people being served. It wasn’t until after World War II that it became much more common for everybody served to instead come to the funeral home. FEATURE Bell Family’s 85 Years 12 Montana Funeral Directors Association
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