Parents: George Thomas Bell and Gladys Thompson, married married February 11, 1920 in the Registry Office, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.

Originally, Kathleen was placed in Middlemore Homes. Their records stated Kathleen Bell's father had deserted the family before Kathleen was born (a warrant had been placed for his arrest, possibly for desertion from the British Armed Forces as he had been a Private in the 51777 19th Essex). It is believed a paternal relative placed her in care. She was recommended to Middlemore Homes by a "probation officer" from Wolverhampton. At the time of her placement in Middlemore, her mother was in London and Kathleen was living with relatives in Staffordshire. Gladys Bell had another child the year that Kathleen was sent to Australia.

In 1934, Kathleen Bell, 11, arrived at Sydney, Australia, in a group of 29 children accompanied by Rev. Kenneth Proctor and Miss Maureen Herbert en route to Fairbridge Farm School, Pinjarra Western Australia.

Kathleen spent most of all her teenage years at Kingsley Fairbridge Farm School in Pinjarra Western Australia.

During World War II, Kathleen was part of the Australian Women's Armed Forces (AWAS) where she worked as a "Land Girl." She was stationed at Nungarin in April 1945.

Gladys Cox Bell and her child may have been killed during the German bombings in the city of London.

In 1948, Kathleen Bell married Frederick Clair Rooke in Norsman Western Australia. The couple had three daughters.

Kathleen Bell Rooke died on January 25, 1981, in Perth, Australia.