Marian Hamill Bell, 98, Butler, PA passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 23, 2017. She was born in Ligonier, PA on September 29, 1918, the only daughter to the late C. A. Hamill, M.D. and Helen Ewing Hamill. She went to Edgewood High School and graduated from Ligonier High School. She attended both Allegheny and Seton Hill colleges and received her B.S. in Home Economics from Seton Hill; she went on to get her M. Ed. in Home Economics at The Pennsylvania State University.
Mrs. Bell taught home economics at Midway, Karns City, and Butler High School until she retired in 1991. Mrs. Bell was a devoted member of the Hill United Presbyterian Church for over 60 years and was active in the Mary Lou Boyer Circle, Women Club, and Willing Workers. She also founded the church’s community dinners and was co-chairwoman. Marian was a member of the Home Economics Club, Friends of the Library and delivered Meals on Wheels.
Mrs. Bell was a member of several genealogical societies. She was past Regent of both the Ligonier Chapter and the General Richard Butler Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also past Regent of Daughters of the American Colonists. She was a member of Colonial Dames of the XVII Century and Federated Daughters of Colonial Wars. She was a Life Promoter of the National Society of Children of the American Colonists and Senior President of the Elizabeth McKenney Society of Children of the American Revolution, 1986-1989.
Marian really enjoyed crossword puzzles, plants, flowers, and growing vegetables in her garden. She liked to sew, knit, crochet, needlepoint, and bake. She had a very active social life and traveled around the world with friends and family.
She is survived by her son, Alexander L. Bell, M.D. (Stacy), Renfrew, PA, and daughter, Maria Bell Whicker (Kevin), Colonial Beach, VA, three grandsons, Troy, Trevor and Tyler Bell, and a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George E. Bell, who she married in 1947 and who passed away in 1964; one infant daughter and three brothers, Ewing Hamill, Frank D. Hamill, and Robert Hamill, M.D.
There will be a viewing on Monday, September 25, 2017, at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North Street, Butler, PA from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Tuesday, September 26, 2017, there will be a one-hour viewing starting at 10:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am at The Hill United Presbyterian Church, 501 Second Street, Butler PA with Rev. James Steiner, officiating. All are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service at the church’s Fellowship Hall.
Private burial will take place at Ligonier Valley Cemetery in Ligonier, PA
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Hill U.P. Church (Lift Project), 501 Second Street, Butler PA 16001.
Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.