Ann Bell

HUDSON - Hester Ann Bell, age 94, of Hudson, Ohio, peacefully passed away in her sleep on April 9, 2026. Born in Columbus, Ohio on June 19, 1931 to Emory and Elsie Ridenour, Ann grew up in London, Ohio before attending Capital University, graduating in 1953 (Bachelor of music in Voice-concentration in Church Music). She married her high school sweetheart, David Gerald Bell, in 1952, and together they raised five children. Ann and David were married for 51 years before his death in 2003.

Ann began working in the Hudson schools in 1974, serving as a kindergarten aide, office aide, and tutor over the course of 20+ years. Music continued to play a large role in Ann’s life. She sang in multiple vocal ensembles, including the Akron Symphony Chorus, and played piano or organ for occasional church services. Ann also volunteered for many years as a “baby rocker” in the NICU at Akron children’s hospital.

Ann is survived by her children: John (Rochelle) Bell of Port Clinton, OH, Martin (Charmaine) Bell of Fairfield, OH, Jim Bell of Cleveland Heights, OH, Nancy (David) Messenger of Tallmadge, OH, Barbara (Keith) Oliver of Lexington, OH; grandchildren: Chelsey, Michael, Alexis, Ryan, Madison, Jenna, Sarah, Blake, Scott; 16 great-grandchildren, and close friend Pam Mckinley.

A year before her death, Ann made the honorable decision to donate her body to The Ohio State University’s anatomy lab. Her gift will provide valuable clinical knowledge to future medical providers, which in turn will benefit us all.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 1PM-4PM at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Rd, Stow OH 44224, followed by a brief memorial service at 4PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Akron children’s hospital: https://give.arkonchildrens.org/give/546472/#!/donation/checkout or Hudson City Schools Music Department care of the Hudson City Schools Foundation: https://hudson.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2981