Cover photo for Ethel "Bell" Hanslip's Obituary
Ethel "Bell" Hanslip Profile Photo
1930 Ethel "Bell" 2022

Ethel "Bell" Hanslip

June 18, 1930 — October 8, 2022

Ethel “Bell” Hanslip, age 92, of Council Bluffs passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, October 8th.

Bell was born on June 18th, 1930 to the late Claude and Ella (Scofield) Rowland in Sloan, IA.


Bell lived most of her adult life in Council Bluffs. Before that she lived in the rural Sioux City area where she raised her younger siblings and cooked many good meals for the family and the farm hands. She married her husband, Floyd D. Hanslip on October 7th of 1949 and after a few years, moved to Council Bluffs. She led Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops throughout the years and enjoyed working with children.


Bell worked as a daycare provider in Council Bluffs for over 50 years and later cared for her older siblings when they fell very ill. She volunteered many years to the Thomas Jefferson High School Band functions, handing out band uniforms, running craft fairs, working in the concession stand and supporting the bands. She also loved to watch soccer games. She never missed a soccer game her grandchildren played in. She was also an icon of information on all her friends and relatives. She stayed in touch with them all with letters. phone calls and visits.


She was magical with making every person feel very special in her life. She always put her family first and made sure her children had everything they needed to succeed in life. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. They brought her great joy and pride. Grandma Bell spent her entire life spreading joy to any and all around her. A comfort to many and a joy to all, most of her time was spent taking care of her family, her friends, and her community. She also loved to crochet and crocheted many baby blankets, infant sets, Afghans, scarves, hats and gloves throughout her years. A loving and wonderful woman until the very end, she will be greatly missed.


In addition to her parents, Bell was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd D. Hanslip; granddaughter Rachelle Murphy; great great grandson Cooper McDonald; siblings, Willian Harding Rummell Rowland, Alfred Rowland, Charles Rowland, Lawrence Rowland, Deloris Phillips, Modest Smith, and Alice McTwiggan. Bell is survived by her children, Avalena MacFarlane, Delilah Murphy, Butch Hanslip (Debbie) and Amy Hamblin (Ray); siblings, Ervin Rowland (Pat), Donald Rowland, and Lucy Carter; 11 grandchildren, Toby, David, Tom, Tim, and Ted MacFarlane, John, Dan, and Sandra Murphy, John Hanslip, Lola and Avalena Hamblin; 9 great grandchildren, Brittany McDonald, Courtney Singleton, Taylor MacFarlane, Annabell, Aidan and Jaiden Murphy, Grayson and Reagan Hanslip, and another on the way; 6 great great grandchildren, Alexis, Brodie, Harper and Charlotte Singleton, Brooklyn McDonald, and Nova Murphy as well as many loving friends and family members.


A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM at First Christian Church located at 20794, Highway 92 in Council Bluffs, 51503 on Saturday, November 12. A 12:30 PM luncheon will follow at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club located at 1530 Ave. F in Council Bluffs, IA 51501.

The family will direct memorials.


Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Service

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

First Christian Church - Orchard

20794 Hwy 92 , Council Bluffs, IA 51503

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