Jo Ann (née Henson) Bell, 74, of Goshen, Ohio, passed away on September 3, 2026, in Milford, Ohio.

She was born on July 13, 1952, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Earl and Betty (née Delaney) Henson. Jo Ann was the beloved wife of Gene Hume Bell.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Carrie (James) Hatfield and Jamie Bakhaus; her grandchildren, James (Carrisa) Hatfield Jr., Jesse (Cassie) Hatfield Jr., Joseph (Annie) Hatfield, Madison (Matthew Egan) Hatfield, James Beverly, and London Beverly; and her great-grandchildren, Jocelyn Hatfield, Dawson Hatfield, Jax Hatfield, Jameson Hatfield, Emily Hatfield, Charli Hatfield, Mason Hatfield.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Pat Bailey and Connie Fugat.

Jo Ann was a woman who found great joy in caring for others, especially children. She spent many years babysitting and caring for children and even their children. Being able to help others and be around children brought her tremendous joy and purpose.

Jo Ann also had a real love for cooking. She enjoyed trying new recipes and preparing food for the people she loved. She was especially known for her Christmas lasagna and zucchini crescent pie, dishes that became special traditions that family and friends looked forward to each year.

Above all, family was very important to Jo Ann. Her husband, Gene, was a special part of her life, and her daughters, Carrie and Jamie, meant so much to her. She also had a special affection for their black Labrador Retrievers.

Jo Ann enjoyed the simple, familiar things in life. She found comfort in keeping her hands busy and talking about cooking and favorite foods.

Jo Ann will be dearly missed by her family and loved ones, who will cherish the memories they shared with her and carry her memory forward through the generations.

Per Jo Ann’s wishes, a private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.