Beverly Ann Bell

Beverly Ann Bell, 67, passed away suddenly in her home on Sunday, February 28, 2021.

Beverly was born in Cumberland, Ohio as the third child to the late Robert and Eleanore Bell. She was raised on the family farm and learned discipline, loyalty, resilience and to enjoy the outdoors. One of her favorite views on the farm was atop “the hill” with a view so far-reaching that fireworks could be seen on the 4th of July from miles away. Beverly earned a bachelor’s from West Liberty State College (now West Liberty University) in 1975 and later earned a Master’s in Education from The University of Dayton. An athlete in college, she played field hockey, basketball, and volleyball and worked as a referee for multiple sports throughout southeastern Ohio and West Virginia. When a position opened at her alma mater of Rolling Hills Local School District it started a long and active career. A pioneer of the time, she helped establish more athletic programs for girls in the district. Beverly coached multiple sports and guided the development and confidence of young women while simultaneously teaching physical education. She facilitated the OWA/OWE program to teach critical life skills to at-risk students and place them in the workforce. Time spent on the Rolling Hill School District Hall of Fame selection committee was also a rewarding experience. Beverly served as President (aka “The Queen”) of the Rolling Hills Education Association for a number of years and actively collaborated with her cohorts for the betterment of the district over the course of her career.

A life-long member of the Cumberland United Methodist Church, Beverly participated in the United Methodist Women’s many service and fundraising efforts. She and sister-in-law, Gail, could be counted on to deliver care packages from the church to homes all around the area with her niece and three nephews in tow to teach them the act of loving others and service. Enjoying a warm vehicle while the kids went to the door was a bonus.  Beverly also helped cook and serve the Election Day and Thanksgiving dinners and donated her time, energy, and love to the summer lunch program for any child in need.

In the greater community, Beverly served in every position on the Board for Haven of Hope, Inc. and worked tirelessly with the organization for twenty years. She also served on the Guernsey/Muskingum Electric Services Board to help bring aid to those less fortunate.

For fun, Beverly loved to play cards and throw horseshoes on Thursday nights with friends. The outdoors, camping, and horseback riding were passions. Her travels were vast and included adventures like casinos in Atlantic City and going twice to Hawaii with her sister. The spark of adventure in her niece & nephews was ignited by taking them in turn to Arizona as a right-of-passage for turning 10 years of age. She always smelled of Chanel No5, wore shorts when it was too cold to do so and held loved ones to a high standard. Her loving and supportive nature was shared with many Godchildren. “Aunt Bev” could be counted on to attend games, plays, concerts, award ceremonies, graduations and more for many.

Beverly is preceded in death by her parents Robert Connor and Eleanore Hall Bell, sister Dr. Shirley K. Bell and brother Roger L. Bell. She is survived by her sister-in-law Gail (the late Roger) Bell (Cumberland, OH), niece Heather (Lance) Oliver (Birmingham, AL), nephews David, Richard & Bryan Bell (Cumberland, OH), great-nieces Katherine & Samantha Oliver (Birmingham, AL), a multitude of cousins, many Godchildren as well as loving friends who completed her family in life.

Services will be held at the Cumberland Cemetery on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 11 a.m. for family where Beverly will be laid to rest next to her beloved sister. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for friends and family to come together (her famous baked beans included!).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Haven of Hope or the Cumberland United Methodist Church: both entities and their missions were close to Beverly’s heart.

Haven of Hope: 927 Wheeling Avenue #102, Cambridge, OH 43725; Cumberland United Methodist Church: 441 West Main Street, Cumberland, OH 43732.

The Farus Funeral Home of Cumberland is entrusted with caring for the Bell family.  www.farusfh.com

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