Bernice Gidley Bell

Bernice (Gidley) Bell, 80, of Zanesville, died at 3:54 P.M. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Genesis Hospital, Zanesville, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born December 18, 1943, in Salem, Ohio, a daughter of the late Richard Sommers and Sarah Alice (Hartley) Gidley. Bernice was an active member of the Central Presbyterian Church, she was a Certified Professional Secretary and she attended Zane State College obtaining various professional certifications. Through the years she was employed by Attorney John Ringheisen, Farm Credit Services and she retired from the Muskingum County Child Support Division. Bernice was a 4-H advisor for over fifty years and she loved to crochet and quilt. She made many prayer shawls that she gifted to those in need.

She is survived by her beloved husband of fifty-nine years, James “Jim” Bell; two daughters, Theresa (Tom Seyerle) Bell Bauman and Winnie (Jim) Priest; four grandchildren, Shandel (Seth Fisher) Bauman, Jimmy (Ashley) Priest, Annie Priest, and Jake Priest; two great grandchildren, Riley Fisher and Amelia Fisher; and three siblings, brothers, Hickrie Gidley and Gary Gidley, and a sister Eunice Burkey.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her sister Susie McCoy and a nephew, Darby McCoy.

Friends and family may call from 11:00 A.M. until time of Funeral Service at 12:00 Noon, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE with Pastor Tara Mitchell officiating.  She will be laid to rest at the Dresden Cemetery, Dresden.

In lieu of flowers the family request those wishing to make contributions in Bernice’s memory do so to the Muskingum County 4-H Endowment Fund (Fund #605084) at The Ohio State University Foundation, PO Box 710811 Columbus, OH. 43271, or give online at: go.osu.edu/musk4hendowment.com or contributions can be made to the Central Presbyterian Church, 40 N 6th Street, Zanesville, OH. 43701.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.