Barbara Jane Bell

Barbara "Barb" Jane Bell, 77 of Zanesville passed away, surrounded by family, at 12:32 A.M. Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Genesis Health Care Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born August 4, 1947, in Zanesville, Ohio, the daughter of Harold Leckrone and Vivian Starrett Leckrone.

Barb was the heart of her family. She approached this past year, with optimism, determination and strength that is impossible to imagine. She was always there to provide loving care for her family and friends. Her dedication to her family was absolute, always prioritizing them and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Holidays, sports and vacations with her family were her most cherished moments. Barb enjoyed working the election polls and enjoyed seeing all of her friends from her lifelong community of Zanesville. Lunch with her “lunch ladies” became one of her favorite weekly events, making friendships that will last a lifetime. Barb never found a sport that she did not like to watch. She was a valiant Michigan football fan and enjoyed watching racing every week. She was a beloved wife, mom, grandma and great grandma. These were her favorite and most cherished titles. Barb was rarely seen without Dave. Their 53 plus years of marriage are a testament to their love and dedication to each other. The laughter they shared was contagious. Her love and relentless commitment to her sons was her pride and joy. Grandma was a name that she smiled with joy every time her grandchildren would say it. Whether it was a sporting event, school show, baby-sitting, she always showed up with smile and poured her heart out into everything she did. Her family will always be her greatest accomplishment, and the memories will be cherished forever.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, David “Dave” Bell whom she married, July 10, 1971; her three sons, Shawn (Meranda) Bell, Scott (Trisha) Bell, and Brian (Anisa) Bell; Grandchildren, Kassidey and Joe Kelly, Delaney Bell, Ella, Parker and Gwenyth Bell; great grandchildren, Pearl and Ezra Kelly; a sister, Marsha Bollinger; nieces & nephews, Robin Moore, Lisa and Jeff Bollinger, Missy and Doug Bollinger, Pam and Craig Carlisle. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her father-in-law & mother-in-law, George and Mary Bell.

Visitation will be held 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 12, 2024, with the funeral service at 1:00 PM Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Raaker officiating. Burial will conclude at the Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery.