Ralph Edward Bell
Wheelersburg-Ralph Edward Bell, 73, passed away, after a hard fought battle, Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth, Ohio. Ralph was born February 14, 1944 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Ralph and Ethel Pratt Bell. Ralph was a 1963 graduate of Portsmouth High School, he had worked as an Agent for National Life Insurance, also worked as produce manager for Markit Place and later Festival Foods in New Boston, Ohio; he attended Sciotodale Freewill Baptist Church; he was a former Little League baseball coach and Pee Wee Football coach at Wheelersburg also had served on the Little League Board. Ralph was a Vietnam Veteran of the U.S. Army Military Police.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son Jerry William Stiers. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Vickie Cooper Stiers Bell, whom he married November 19, 1967 in New Boston, Ohio; two sons, Dan (Tomi) Stiers and Eddie Bell; two daughters, Debi (Dave) Sparks and Kathy (Shawn) Davis; a brother, Harold Bell; eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Ralph was truly loved by family, friends and co-workers and was known for making people laugh. The family would like to thank everyone for the love and support that was shown to us during this time. We extend a special thank you to the in-patient and out-patient staff at SOMC Hospice and to Dr. Kimberly Umhoefer and Dr. Elie Saab for the wonderful and compassionate care you gave Ralph.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Monday, March 13, 2017 at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg, Ohio with Pastor Dan Widdig and Pastor Aaron Reed officiating and interment to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Military Graveside honors. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 pm Sunday, March 12, 2017 and one hour before the service on Monday. On-line condolences to the family may be made at www.harrison-pyles.com.
