Marcella 'Toni' Wells

Marcella “Toni” Wells, 88, died peacefully in her sleep at home with her daughter by her side, on Nov. 12, 2010.

She was born Sept. 4, 1922, in Buffalo, N.Y., eldest child of John Emil and Glyde McClarren Grimm. She completed her early education there and attended the Art Institute of Buffalo.

In 1943, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving with the First Marine Corps Air Wing. She was honorably discharged as sergeant.

In 1944, she married decorated Guadalcanal veteran and Montana native, Marine Master Sgt. Phil L. Wells.

After the war, they made their home in Great Falls where two children were born, Kathleen Patricia and Phil Lee Jr. During those years, Toni began what was to be a lifetime career working for the American Red Cross. When Phil was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict, the family followed him, living where his U.S. Air Force duties allowed families to accompany him. During an assignment to Bermuda, two more children were born, Douglas John and Sally Brooks.

Wherever Phil’s military career took them, Texas, Mississippi, California or Michigan, Toni continued her Red Cross work, sometimes volunteering for the local chapter or as an employee of the national organization. She directed Service to Military functions on bases and served on national disasters.

Upon Phil’s retirement in 1966, the family settled in Lakeside. She worked for Montana Red Cross in numerous leadership and honorary positions. After Phil’s death in 1979, Toni accepted overseas assignments for Red Cross on U.S. Naval bases in Diego Garcia and Japan. In 1998, she was recognized for 50 years of service.

In her early years Toni found pleasure in swimming. She also developed a talent for writing and drawing which continued to interest her in retirement.