Shirley L. Bell

Shirley L. Bell, 93, long-time resident of Barberton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 27, 2026. Born in Somerton, Ohio, on August 17, 1933, to Willard and Virginia Mann. Shirley met her husband, Jack W. Bell, when both were attending Ohio University. They married in 1954 and established their home in Barberton at that time. Shirley finished her degree at University of Akron while raising a family.

She retired from teaching at Barberton High School, in 1991, after a 27-year teaching career. She was head of the Business Department and taught not only office skills to future administrative professionals, but also typing and keyboarding – from manual typewriters to personal computers – to college prep students.

Shirley and Jack were dedicated Magics fans, always seen at Barberton football and basketball games. An early supporter of women’s sports, Shirley was the first girl’s track coach at the high school, working with Jeep Davis. Shirley led an active life and had a large circle of friends. She enjoyed golfing, playing bridge and euchre, cruise vacations with Jack, dinners with friends, and the occasional casino visit or two. Her favorite activity was spending time with her daughters and granddaughters, cheering through endless seasons of soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball.

Shirley is survived by her daughters Sherry (John) McCullough and Robin Bell, along with granddaughters Kelly (Sanders DeNardi) McCullough, Kendra McCullough, Hannah Fish, and Emma Fish. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack W. Bell, daughter, Kimberly Bell, and grandson-in-law, Thomas Kalista (Hannah).

The family will host an open house in celebration of Shirley’s life on Saturday, January 16, 2027, at the Hungarian Benefit Society in Barberton, Ohio, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Anyone wishing to honor Shirley, please consider donating to the Barberton All Sports Booster Club at Barberton Boosters Club c/o Barberton High School. 555 Barber Road, Barberton, Ohio 44203 or Barberton Community Ministries (BACM) at 939 Norton Ave, Barberton, Ohio 44203 .