Bella lost her eight-month battle with cancer and died in the arms of her husband on April 4, 2008. Her spirit and strength throughout this ordeal were an example to many.

She was a beautiful woman in all respects, and will be loved and missed forever.

She was born Jan. 15, 1953, to Edward and Ruth Boyd in Burbank, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her father, and is survived by her mother Ruth Boyd, of Pasadena, brother Tom Boyd, of North Hollywood, and sister Elaine VonBlohn, of Sausalito.

She leaves behind her husband Gus and family, son Chris, his wife Wendy, granddaughters Taylor and Kendra, her special mother-in-law Jennie Kermode, and her brother Lee and sister-in-law Sharon Erickson.

She was an artist who brought her unique spirit and creativity to every facet of her life. She loved her job, music, drawing, sewing, gardening, sculpture, poetry and people.

She worked as a home care nurse for the terminally ill and had a special love for the elderly, giving them the respect and attention they deserved.

She had the gift of lighting up the world with her smile or her laugh. But sometimes the brightest stars burn the quickest.

She believed in paying it forward with random acts of kindness.

And because of this, wherever she was, there was Eden.

The family would like to thank all who helped Bella in her struggle and to invite all to a celebration of her life at her home, 10488 Highway 36, Carlotta, ( or the Carlotta Grange, if it rains) on Saturday, April 19, 2008, from 1-4 p.m.

She said she’d rather see a sermon than hear one, so come on out and be a part.

Donations can be made to Hospice of Humboldt or the American Cancer Society.