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 (Reindl) Schultes in Springfield, MO. After graduating from St. Agnes High School as the salutatorian in 1972, she studied at the University of Kansas earning Bachelor’s of Science degrees in microbiology and medical technology in 1976 and 1977. 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 KU, she and classmate Dr. Randall “Randy” Bell met. In September 1977, both living in Kansas City, they had their first date at a Royals game. 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 assisting with stem cell transplants. They had two children, Jason Randall and Jennifer Lynn. In 1983, Barbara transitioned out of the medical field to focus on raising their children. Besides her role as a devoted wife and mother, she was an avid volunteer holding roles with numerous organizations, including as a docent at the McNay Art Museum, president of PTAs, and officer of the Planning and Zoning Commission of Shavano Park. 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, Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) and James (“Jimmy”) O’Connell; and father-in-law Dr. Clarence Bell.

A Celebration of Life Mass was held on Saturday, April 9th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in San Antonio. A Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at McGilley Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe, Overland Park, KS, to be proceeded by a Rosary at 5:30. 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