Karen Sue (Rustemeyer) Bell

Karen Sue Bell, lovingly known to all as “Momma Sue,” of Havaco, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at 2:09 p.m., surrounded by her devoted family. She was 67 years old.

Born on July 22, 1958, in Friendly, West Virginia, Karen Sue Rustemeyer was a proud graduate of Sistersville High School in Sistersville, WV. From her small-town roots, she carried throughout her life a spirit of kindness, faith, and compassion that touched everyone she met.

Karen lived each day with an open heart and an unshakable joy. She was the beloved wife of Thomas Bell, the love of her life, with whom she shared 43 years of marriage and 49 years together. A lifelong Miami Dolphins and New York Yankees fan, she brought the same passion she had for her teams into her love for her family and friends—cheering them on with unwavering support. She took great joy in supporting her grandchildren at ballgames and treasured the times spent with her family sharing stories, laughter, and memories. Some other favorite days were spent watching her shows and taking rides with her husband the two were truly inseparable if you saw one you saw the other. 

A woman deeply grounded in faith, Karen served faithfully as the Mother of her Church, Miracle Mount Zion Holiness Church of God in Gary, West Virginia. She was a guiding light, a prayer warrior, and a source of comfort and encouragement to her church family, always leading with grace and love.

Karen was a Mountain Heart Day Care provider for over 10 years. She was Vice President of the Welch Little League for 12 years and also helped coach Goodsons Brave Cheerleaders for Welch Midget League Football. She was last employed at the Paul Miller Home in Norfolk, West Virginia, where her compassion and dedication made her beloved by both residents and coworkers.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Alvin Rustemeyer and Clara Rustemeyer her sister, Debra Ann Rustemeyer her brother, Shawn Rustemeyer ;  and her brother-in-law, Tim Smith.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Thomas Bell; her children, Tiffany and Jeff Gammon, and Tiana Bell and Thomas Sheena Bell; and six children she raised and loved as her own—Terrence, Jeremy, and Cordero Hayes; Katie, Joey, and Andrew Walden.

Her grandchildren were the light of her life: Tyree Baker, Terrell Bell, Shamya (Mya) Baker, Thomas (TJ) Bell, Travis Bell, Trace Bell, Trinity Bell, and Teaya Bell, Terrance (Lil Tuddy) and Brooklyn Hayes. Karen was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first great-grandson, Tarzan Bell, due in April 2026—a blessing she will surely watch over with love from Heaven.

She is also survived by her sister, Sherri Jo Smith; niece, Deborah Steele; nephew, Joseph Burdette; and special nieces and nephews Anthony (Tony) Bell, Carlisa Merriweather, and Tonya Thompson, along with many beloved extended family members and her cherished church family. She also leaves behind two of her best friends and prayer partners Arnetta Mitchell and Lina Ausbourne Premo who was like a sister to her and stood by her through every season of life. 

Karen Sue Bell was a perfect example of grace, faith, and unconditional love. She lived life right—with laughter, generosity, and a heart big enough for everyone she met. To know her was to be loved by her, and her light will continue to shine through the lives she touched. 

As she would say with anyone she seen “Hey Baby” 

2 Timothy 4: 7-8

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

A Celebration of life will be held at Miracle Mt. Zion Holiness Church 202 Miracle Mountain Road Gary WV 24836 on Monday November 10,2025 with visitation beginning at 10am till 11am with services beginning at 11am 

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