To Celebrate a Life of Love: Barbara Schultes Bell
Barbara Bell, 67, of San Antonio, TX, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 after a 26-year battle with breast and ovarian cancer. Her legacy will live on through her impact as a loving mother, devoted wife, and kind and empathetic friend, who cared deeply for others. She was a life-long learner who greatly appreciated the beauty of art. Barbara’s courageous spirit was an inspiration to many women in their own cancer journeys.
Barbara was born on May 28, 1954 to James and Rose Marie Schultes in Springfield, MO. After graduating from St. Agnes High School as the salutatorian in 1972, she continued her academic career at the University of Kansas earning Bachelor’s of Science degrees in microbiology and medical technology in 1976. Upon graduation, she moved to Kansas City to pursue a career in medical technology, working for the University of Kansas Medical Center. During her time at the University of Kansas, she met classmate Dr. Randall “Randy” Clarence Bell. In September 1977, they reconnected in Kansas City. Their connection was immediate and built the foundation for what would be a 42-year marriage. They were married on June 23, 1979 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield, MO.
They moved to San Antonio in 1981 for Randy to pursue a fellowship in pulmonary medicine and where Barbara joined the Oncology Department of The University of Texas Health Science Center. They went on to have two children, Jason Randall and Jennifer Lynn. In 1983, Barbara transitioned out of the medical field to focus on raising their children. Beyond her role as a devoted wife and mother, she was an avid volunteer holding roles with numerous organizations, including the PTA President at Locke Hill Selma Elementary School and Vice President at Hobby Middle School, Secretary of the Planning and Zoning Commission of Shavano Park, docent at the McNay Art Museum, the San Antonio Junior Forum, the Bexar County Medical Alliance, the San Antonio Symphony League, and the San Antonio Conservation Society. Her faith was a central piece of who she was, having spent her entire life as a devout Catholic. She attended St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for nearly 40 years where she held countless service roles, including its Mobile Loaves & Fishes outreach and its ACTS Retreats, and her impact was far-reaching. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, James and Rose Marie; mother-in-law, Lylah Bell; and first grandchild, McCall Kennedy Bell. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Randy; son Jason, his wife Alyson Bell, and their children, Baker McCall Bell and Brooklyn Kennedy Bell; daughter, Jennifer; sister, Lisa Schultes, her husband Dan O’Connell, and their children, Lizzie and Jimmy; father-in-law, Dr. Clarence Bell; and brother-in-law, Dr. Rick Bell, his wife Karen Bell, and their children Taylor and Courtney.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 8th at 5:30 PM at Porter Loring Mortuary North, with a reflection vigil at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (4201 De Zavala Rd), with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, as a tribute to Barbara’s legacy, the family requests donations be made in Barbara’s honor to Susan G. Komen: http://www.info-komen.org/goto/BarbaraBell54.