Lillian Marie Hall was born on October 12, 1905, in DeWitt, Iowa. She married Leslie “Kelly” Fell in February 1927, and worked as a bookkeeper at Peters Motor Company. Lillian was an active citizen and believed it was important to participate in community activities. She volunteered for bloodmobiles, the Pierian Club, and served at Noon Lions luncheons for many years. Lillian supported her community and in particular, she gave her time and money to assist the First Congregational United Church of Christ, which she was a member of.

Lillian knew a community foundation would greatly benefit the community, so she left a large gift in her will to begin DeWitt’s community foundation. She told her banker, “If you don’t have a community foundation, then start one!” The DeWitt Area Community Foundation was established in 1987 thanks to Lillian Fell’s generosity. The DACF provides support to many charitable programs in western Clinton County.

The Lillian Fell Scholarship Fund was created in remembrance of this community-minded individual.