Celebrating the Life of Bell Condra

A Life of Love, Laughter, Family, and a Little Tex-Mex

Mary Bell Condra, affectionately known as “Bell” to family and friends, lived a life filled with love, laughter, creativity, and a whole lot of personality.

A proud United States Air Force veteran, Bell carried her pride in serving her country throughout her life. She was a strong, spirited woman who knew what she liked and found happiness in the simple things that made life special.

In her younger years, Bell loved spending time at the lake and fishing. She was also a remarkably talented and competitive dart player, at one point earning the impressive distinction of being ranked the third-best female dart player in the country. 

As the years went by, her favorite pastimes included watching college and professional football (also affectionately known as yelling at the Dallas Cowboys' games) crime shows and BBC favorites, making handmade cards, and crafting with friends. She had a soft spot for good Tex-Mex, a good joke, and sharing a laugh with those around her. Bell appreciated a sense of humor and knew that life was always a little better with laughter.

But above all, Bell's greatest joy was her family.

She was a loving mother to her two daughters, Melody Thomas and Crystal Cadaret, who blessed her with the title of “Mema” to four granddaughters: Liana Amador, Chelsea Thomas, Brittney Williamson, and Madison Bardwell.

Her family continued to grow, and she proudly became “Great Mema” to six great-grandsons: Cristofer Amador, Jack Williamson, Jaycob Amador, Oliver Williamson, Nash Bardwell, and Brooks Bardwell. Each new generation brought more love, more memories, and undoubtedly a little more excitement to her life.

Bell was preceded in death by her father, R.B. Dill Sr.; her mother, Ruby Dill; her brother, R.B. Dill Jr.; and her beloved granddaughter, Chelsea Thomas.

She leaves behind her daughters, Melody Thomas and her husband, Joe Thomas Jr., and Crystal Cadaret; her granddaughter Liana Amador and her sons, Cristofer and Jaycob; her granddaughter Brittney Williamson, her husband Adam, and their sons, Jack and Oliver; and her youngest granddaughter, Madison Bardwell, her husband Brock, and their sons, Nash and Brooks. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and grandnephew, who held a special place in her life.

She is also survived by her former husband and best friend, David Condra, whose friendship remained an important part of her life.

Bell will be remembered not only for the love she gave her family but also for the little things that made her unmistakably Bell — her favorite television shows and football games, her creativity, her friendships, her love of Tex-Mex, and her appreciation for a good laugh.

While she will be deeply missed, her memory lives on in every handmade keepsake, every shared joke, every family gathering, and every story told about her.

So rather than mourn, we celebrate the life she lived — a proud veteran, a beloved mother, Mema, Great Mema, cherished friend, and a woman who knew how to enjoy the things she loved.

May we honor her by sharing a laugh, making a memory, and remembering that a little humor makes life's journey that much sweeter.