A service to celebrate the life of Sun Bell, who passed away in her Sebastopol home December 5, will be held on January 10, 2014, at 11a.m. at the Center of Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa, with Reverend Jeffery Anderson officiating.

Sun was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on November 20, 1949. Sun graduated with a degree in the Arts from Cosumnes River College in 1990. Sun was joined with June Dancingtree on May 12, 2010, as Domestic Partners. They were together for six years. Music was the soul and core of Sun’s life.

At three years old Sun was singing on stage at a gathering with her grandparents. She continued to sing, play music, write songs and perform throughout her life. At eighteen she traveled to California and began to write award winning songs and build a repertoire. This prepared her for live performances and she began to travel wherever music opportunities led her, including all over the USA, Mexico, Toronto, and London.

Sun was also drawn to visual and literary arts, and became a published poet, short story and feature writer. She opened a photography studio in San Rafael with her photography and videography becoming integral to music promotion. Her college diploma in this field landed her a “dream job” as Videographer/Producer/Photographer for California State Parks. Sun flourished in Sacramento for five years with the state parks, until a serious injury forced her into early retirement.

With more time for music, Sun set out to find likeminded musicians to share in her creativity. At a music festival, she met Jan Emerson, a pianist/singer longing to work with an original songwriter/musician. Becoming fast friends, they started crafting Sun’s compositions, and had enough music to name their duo “Bell the Cat”. Sun had many connections in local radio and TV, having worked in broadcasting in both production and on-air talent. Sun was well-respected and well-liked; her pro-community philanthropy was her best calling card.

The duo as well as the larger versions of “bell the cat” made appearances on local TV shows, played and sang live on local radio programs. They then progressed to recording their first CD “Songs from the Wild”, through which Sun won awards for several songs. Sun’s powerful voice was an asset to the “One Heart Choir” at the Center for Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa. Always creating in various ways, Sun was in the process of writing her memoirs to be published in the future.

Sun is survived by her domestic partner June Dancingtree; her siblings Timothy, Sally, Suzanne, and Elizabeth; her step children Wendy, Christopher, and Michael, step grandchildren and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to offset funeral expenses. Donations may be sent to 438 Ragle Road in Sebastopol.