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Nita Rose Bell, 81, passed away February 19, 2007 in Mesa, AZ. She was born in Dallas, TX to Leslie John McCarty and Bertie Viola Matlock McCarty. She attended and graduated second in her class from Pampa High School, Pampa, TX. During World War II she attended Texas University at Austin, TX for two years with a vision of achieving a medical career. She chose, instead, to follow her dreams and marry Bill Bell, a returning war veteran and high school classmate. They were married on November 20,1944. Nita and Bill resided in Norman, OK where Bill graduated from Oklahoma University. After moving to Albuquerque, NM in 1949, together, Nita and Bill built Bill Bell of Albuquerque Photography; a highly respected and well-known portrait studio for 45 years. Along with Bill, Nita was a prominent member of the National Professional Photographers of America and earned her Master of Photography in August of 1962. Together, Nita and Bill became the first couple to become Master Photographer Craftsmen. For a number of years, Nita was an internationally recognized presenter in the successful methods of portraiture, sales techniques, public relations and studio management. She is past president of the Professional Photographers of New Mexico, a position held by few women, past president of the Southwestern Photographers Assn. and member of the State Board of Directors for Southwestern Photographers Assn. for numerous terms. Nita was highly recognized on the state and national level with prestigious awards and merits for her portraiture accomplishments. She served in a competitive judging capacity in both those arenas throughout her career. Upon retirement in 1993, Nita and Bill maintained residence in Albuquerque along with part-time residence in Leisure World, Mesa, AZ. In the summer of 2003 they moved to Mesa, AZ as full-time residents to be closer to family and friends and enjoy the community and all that it has to offer. She is survived by her husband of 62 years and best friend, William Worth Bell; daughters Lizabeth Elaine Bell (husband Patrick Waugh), Linda Rosanne Loy (husband Steve Loy); grandchildren Karrie Kristin Pierson (husband James Pierson III), Britton Ashley Picciolini (husband Christian Picciolini), Michael Mauchline, Kelli Lynn Newsome (husband Zackary Newsome), Kristin Lizabeth Loy; great-grandchildren Katherine Grace Pierson, Joseph James Pierson, Caroline Elizabeth Pierson, Anna Clare Pierson, Kellen James Newsome, Kirra Jade Newsome, Devin Picciolini and Brandon Picciolini. She was preceded in passing by her parents, sister Orma Jean Loibl and daughter Leslie Jeanette Mauchline. Memorial services are planned for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at Leisure World, Mesa, AZ, at Rec One Clubroom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of Nita's favorite charities, "The Smile Train" at www.SmileTrain.org.
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