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MILL SPRING – Rachel Horne Bell, 88, of the Pea Ridge Community of Mill Spring, passed away, on Sunday afternoon, September 15, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital from congestive heart failure.

A native and lifelong resident of Polk County, she was the daughter of the late Tom Horne and Vassey McEntire Horne and wife of the late Edward “Teddy” Marshall Bell, Jr. who passed away in 1978. Rachel was a graduate of Green Creek High School and won many Home Economics awards which kindled her love for cooking, quilting, and sewing. Rachel purchased her family’s first television after getting her first job at Belk’s. She was the co-owner of Gnomes Workshop and helped her husband at Pace Electric which he owned and operated.

Rachel was known for her delicious food that she would prepare for shut-ins and catered for many social events in Polk County including the Polk County Board of Education and Tryon Presbyterian Church. She was also known for her food at the Columbus Farmers Market and her involvement with the Pea Ridge Community Center. Rachel was very active until her health declined earlier this year. She was a proud member of Mill Creek Church of the Brethren.
Whether she was wearing one of her distinctive hats or an apron, she always believed in work. she enjoyed doing for others.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Ross Nesbitt Bell in 1965; one brother, Tommy Horne; and one sister, Nina Ruth Horne Searcy.
Surviving are two daughters, Beth Bell and Becky Bell (Brett Hunter); two sisters, Marcia Collins and Rose Greene; and three grandchildren, Chelsea, Ross, and Colby McGuinn.

A private family celebration of Rachel’s life will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please donate food to any food pantry or to the Blessing Boxes in the area.
An online guest register is available at mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory
Tryon