Kathleen “Willa” H. Bell, 47, of Elizabethtown, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at their residence.
Willa was born in Harrisburg on July 28, 1978, to Louise (Dietz) Bell, of Annville, and the late Jay K. Bell II. They were a 1996 graduate of Annville-Cleona High School and a 2000 graduate of Mary Washington College. Willa was an avid reader, published writer, and amateur nature photographer who enjoyed hiking with their dogs and geocaching, combing the forests in search of hidden treasures. Willa was an active member of a local book club and proudly made and maintained a Little Free Library outside their house.
Willa was also a respected dog trainer who enjoyed various dog sports, flyball and obedience, and was a member of a local disc league. Together with their border collie Steve, Willa competed in obedience, achieving the CDX title. Willa and pit bull Luce became the first nationally ranked pit bull team in competitive obedience with the APDT. In recent years, Willa’s dogs, Juke, Olive, Hambone, and Greg, along with cat Ruth, were their constant companions.
Willa was an employee at the Goodwill store in Elizabethtown. Previously, they worked as a trainer at Dog Sense in Lancaster and as a veterinary technician at White Oaks Veterinary Hospital in Manheim.
Willa is survived by their mother, Louise Bell, of Annville; and sister, Rebecca L. Bell, of Columbia, MD.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lancaster County SPCA. Donations can be mailed to Pennsylvania SPCA, 30 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134. * Please make a note in the memo line: PSPCA – Lancaster. Or you are welcome to donate to an animal charity of your choice.
