Barbara F. Bell

Barbara F. Bell, age 90, of Toledo, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 26, 1927 in Toledo to the late Loring and Ledah (Aspinall) Freed. Barbara graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1945 and earned her Bachelors degree in English from Miami (OH) University where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Following graduation she worked in administration at a Cincinnati law firm and eventually returned home to Toledo, working in accounting. After marrying Ken, her husband of 55 years, most of her time was devoted to raising her children and making a home. Barbara was a member of Collingwood Presbyterian Church. It was within those beautiful, historic walls she was baptized, grew up, met Ken at its singles’ group, was married, and faithfully raised her own children. World War II overshadowed her high school years and she remained a World War II history buff her whole life, adding to her extensive knowledge with each passing year. She was passionate about history in general and was most recently a member of the Rutherford B. Hayes Historical Society. The Great Depression was also a formative part of her childhood and this experience gave her skills in making all kinds of things useful and helped form her deeply held convictions around conservation of the earth. Barbara was an avid bridge player, enjoying her dear long-time bridge club and frequenting the Bridge Center over the years. She was active with the local Pi Beta Phi Alumni Association. She served as Program Director for The Guild, an educational womens society at Collingwood, bringing in speakers on topics from gardening to the origins of the universe. As a gourmet, she loved and dreamed about cooking. She was well-read, particularly about current events, and passionate about the issues of the day. She valued travel and enjoyed fine art and classical music. However, her greatest joy was found in time spent with her children and grandchildren. Barbara brought strong convictions and total integrity to the things that were important to her and she will be fondly remembered for her good sense of humor, straightforward honesty, and dedication to family. Her legacy of love and loyalty, as well as her endless encouragement and empathy, will live on in her children and grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her sons, Douglas Bell, M.D., Ph.D., of Los Angeles, CA and James (Kirsten) Bell of Riverside, IL; daughter, Judith (Matthew) Bell of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Lukas, Rebekah, Jonathan, Andrew and Annika; sister, Carolyn Peterson of Toledo; brother, Charles (Jackie) Freed of Lakeland, FL; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Kenneth C. Bell, on April 13, 2017. Family and friends may visit from 1 until 7 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., on Sunday, December 3. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 4, at Collingwood Presbyterian Church, 2108 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo 43620 where the family will greet visitors beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorials in Barbaras name may be sent to Collingwood Presbyterian Church.