Claire Marie Bell

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Claire Marie Bell of Kettering, Ohio, on Sunday June 23, 2024, at the age of 93. A woman of grace and strength, Claire Marie was born to E. Stanley and Mary Claudine Ault in Cleveland, Ohio. She pursued her education, graduating from St Francis High School in 1947 and later earning a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in 1951.

Claire Marie devoted her life to family and service. She married William F. Bell Jr. on September 6, 1952, and together they were blessed with seven children, whom she adored and cared for endlessly. Alongside her role as a dedicated mother, Claire found joy in various pursuits, such as bowling, gardening and church activities at Ascension Catholic Church.

A true matriarch, Claire Marie cherished spending time with her family, maintaining deep connections that will be forever treasured. She was a nurturing presence to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ensuring her legacy of love and strength be remembered through generations.

Claire Marie is preceded in death by her parents, E. Stanley and Mary Claudine Ault, as well as her brothers Robert, Edgar, and David. Claire Marie is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, William F. Bell Jr., her children Kathryn (Chuck), William III, Michael (Barb), Lawrence (Ann), Anthony (Debbie), Marjorie (David) and Gerald (Laura). Additionally, she is survived by her brother Donald (Linnea), and leaves behind a legacy in her twenty-four grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by fifty-five nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Claire Marie’s life will be held at Routsong Funeral Home in Kettering on Thursday July 25, from 4-6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, July 26, at 11 a.m. at Ascension Catholic Church. Please join us in honoring and remembering a remarkable woman whose kindness and legacy will always be cherished. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery, Dayton.