Republic - Mercedes G. "Ma" Bell, 86, of 8788 Hawks Drive, Republic, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2019 in the home where she was born.  She was in the loving care of her family and Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.

Mercedes was born in Republic on May 2, 1933, daughter of the late Ellen Marie (Anderson) and George  Starkey. Mercedes was a lifelong Republic resident, graduating from Republic High School, Class of 1952 and then from St. Luke's School of Nursing in 1956. She was most recently employed by CCI as a registered nurse for the Empire Mine before retiring to spend time with family and friends and work in her garden.

She had been a member 4 H Club and the Republic Red Hats Society. She was a current  member of United Methodist Church in Republic.

Mercedes is  survived by her daughter, Amanda (William) Hafer of Gwinn, two sisters, Beverly (Lyle) Bitler, of Midland and Gayle "CharLee" (Palmer) Swanson, of Sanford, grandson; Matthew Bell, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Ellen and George Starkey; Sisters, Anita "Nina" Raymond and Norma "Susie" Romberg; Brothers, Glenn Starkey,  Lloyd Starkey, Clifford "Jimmy" Starkey, and George D "Buddy" Starkey.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a Memorial Service to follow at 4:00 PM on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming with Rev. Reed Swanson officiating.

Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.

Mercedes obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where friends and family may leave a note of remembrance.

A recording of Mercedes' service may be listened to here.