Dena Kathleen Bell

Dena Kathleen Bell, 51, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, at her home in Lake Charles, LA. Dena was born on August 6, 1974, in Reno, Nevada to Oto Olkjer and the late Iris Garrison-Olkjer. Dena lived her life in “Beautiful Chaos” (her favorite quote). She was a beloved sister, wife, mother, and NayNay to her five grandchildren. In addition to her mother, she is preceded in death by a sister, Tina Wood-Biggs. Survivors include her husband, Michael Bell of Lake Charles, LA; five sons, Devon Kell (Sarah) of Nacogdoches, TX, Tyler Crimm (Brianna) of Maben, MS, Garrett and Jacob Bell of Eupora, MS, and Joseph Bell of Reno, NV; five grandchildren, Brooklynn Kell, Autumn Kell, Karson Kell, Bentley Kell, and Jaxon Crimm; one sister, Kim Terry of TN; and three brothers, David Wood of NV, Daniel Olkjer of MT, and Paul Olkjer of CO. A private gathering of immediate family will be held at her home in remembrance of her and a celebration of the life she gave them. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Cancer Research Institute: donation@cancerresearch.org