Margaret S. Bell

Margaret Bell, 90, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Wyndmoor of Marion.

She was born October 8, 1935 in Newell, Pennsylvania to the late James G. and Alice B. (Means) Salisbury. Margaret was a 1953 graduate of Brownsville High School and shortly thereafter made her way to Ohio seeking employment. She landed in Bucyrus and was hired to work at Telephone Service of Ohio/United Telephone Company. It was during this time that she began dating John T. Bell. They married on August 7, 1954, and shared 60 years of marriage before John’s passing on December 31, 2014. As a newlywed, Margaret stepped away from working outside of their home for several years to raise her family. As her children grew, Margaret returned to the phone company and worked her way up the ladder to become the Business Office Supervisor for both Bucyrus and Shelby offices. In July of 1991, she retired as an Analyst following 27 years of employment.

Margaret and John both loved traveling and enjoyed many historical sites while visiting 48 of the 50 states. The only two not visited were Washington and Oregon. They toured eight European Countries, South America, Mexico and Canada as well as enjoyed several cruises. They were also into camping and over the years spent many weekends at various sites with Charles Mill Lake being a favorite.

She was blessed to have formed such a strong bond with her entire family, but specifically her grandchildren. She loved family gatherings and yes, they created many great memories on their various travels together.

Margaret worshipped at United Methodist Churches for much of her life, including the former, First UMC and Grace UMC where she helped count money. In more recent years, she had worshipped at Liberty UMC in Kirkpatrick.

Margaret is survived by three children, Bob (Rindy) Bell, John A. (Renee) Bell and Cindy (Mark) Whiteamire; nine grandchildren, Chris (Brianna) Bell, Matthew (Sneha) Bell, Sarah (Kevin Jaycox) Pojman, Naomi (Caleb) McLain, Rachel (Andrew) Pinter, Grace (Jordan) Ward, John Bell Jr., Kendall Whiteamire-Nohay, and Brandon (Kelly) Whiteamire; great grandchildren, Elora & Elana, Maddilyn, Emmett & Brystol, Matthew & Julia, Everlee, Hazel, Isaac, Eann & Westin and Emaleigh & Amelia; and a sister, Hope Amos.

In addition to her parents and husband, Margaret was preceded in death by a brother, James G. (Helen) Salisbury and a brother-in-law, Donald Amos.

A special thanks to the staff at Wyndmoor Memory Care Unit and Gentiva Hospice for the excellent care given to Margaret. Your kindness and compassion did not go unnoticed.

Her family will receive friends from 10 – 10:55 am on Saturday, November 15 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, followed by her funeral at 11:00 am with Certified Celebrant Lisa Snyder officiating. Burial will take place in Crawford County Memory Gardens.

If desired, donations may be made payable to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted through the funeral home. Please visit her guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com for a livestream of her funeral or to share a memory.