Stephanie Bell was born September 10, 1970, to WIlliam and Maggie (Baker) Bell at Sioux Falls.  She moved with her mother to Huron as a young child and attended school at Huron graduating in 1989.  She was confirmed at American Lutheran Church.  After high school, Stephanie was employed with Maas' Day Care Center, the Hurong Nursing Home and MIDCOM Inc.

Stephanie's love for music encompassed all the different types of country, rock, modern and contemporary music, as evidences in her attendance at many musical events of various styles and sounds.  Chef Emeril Lagasse was her favorite television personality as she enjoyed his character and his various recipes.  Stephanie also alloted time to watch NASCAR on television.  She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

At the time of her death, Stephanie was survived by her parents, Jerry and Maggie Bales of Huron; three brothers, Ryan Tim of Madison, Wisconsin, Steve (Lynette) Bales and Rich (Stephanie) Bales both of Minneapolis, Minnesota; two sisters, Lori Pechholt and Kim (Brad) Schnabel both of Huron; her best friend, Jill Marvel of Huron; three half-brothers and three half-sisters; her paternal grandmother, Louise Bell of Erwin; her maternal grandmother, Betty Delaurenti of Aberdeen; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her material grandfather, Melvin Baker; paternal grandfather, Chet Bell; and her grandparents, Ralph and Gladys Bales.

Stephanie Bell-Bales, age 30, of Huron, died August 13, 2001, at home after along battle with cancer.  Her funeral service was 10:30 AM, August 17, 2001, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with burial at Riverside Cemetery.

From Kristie Brown Leptien...As most of us remembered Stephanie in school she was a pretty quiet gal compared to some of us. I worked with Steph at Midcom Inc. for many years. She was a very kind, loving, and honest gal. Steph loved animals, kids, and really loved joking around. She had an arnery side to her that would just make you laugh. Before passing away Stephanie's step-father adopted her and she then went by the name Stephanie Bell-Bales. Steph and I always celebrated our birthdays together, hers was September 10th and mine is the 11th, so we would rotate every year on the day. I watched helpless for many months as Steph battled breast cancer that moved into her bones later. She was a VERY strong and VERY determined gal to get through this. She had her family and alot of friends that were there for her. A song that Steph loved dearly was "The Dance" by Garth Brookes. On August 13, 2003, shortly after 1:00 pm "The Dance" was playing on the radio and after the song they called all of us in to tell us that Steph was finally at peace. I really dont think a day goes by that I don't think of her. TO YOU STEPH, GONE BUT NEVER FOR GOTTEN AND IM GLAD WE ALL GOT TO DANCE. LUV YA. Kristie Leptien