Neva L Bell

It is with deep love and gratitude that we announce the passing of Neva Lamarr (Gabhart) Bell, a beloved educator, devoted family member and friend, gifted flower gardener, avid shopper, and hospitality queen, whose kindness and gentle spirit enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Ms. Bell graduated from Western High School's Class of 1965, earned a B.S. in Business Education from Western Kentucky University, then earned a Masters of Education in Counseling from the University of Louisville. She went on to teach Business Classes, as well as serve as the cheerleading sponsor at Ahrens Trade School. She continued in education as a counselor at both Male and Moore High Schools, retiring in 2005.

Neva dedicated much of her life to education, believing that every student deserved encouragement, patience, and the opportunity to succeed. Throughout her career as an educator, she inspired countless young people with her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to learning. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students, colleagues, and friends.

She and her late husband loved to spend their weekends boating at Dan's Marina. They had friends from all over the world.

Outside of her professional life, Neva found great joy in tending her flower gardens. She possessed an extraordinary talent for cultivating beauty, transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant displays of color and life. Friends and family often admired not only her remarkable gardens but also her willingness to share flowers, gardening advice, and the peaceful refuge her yard provided.

Among her greatest gifts was the love she shared with her family and friends. She had a special way of making each person feel valued, remembered, and deeply loved. Her warmth, generosity, and quiet strength made her a steady presence in the lives of those fortunate enough to call her family.

Neva's life was a beautiful testament to the enduring power of knowledge, love, and the simple joy of helping things—and people—grow. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

She is survived by her brothers: Warren “Tim” Gabhart (Robin) and Dwight Gabhart (Gail); Stepdaughters: Teena Freibert (Michael), Vicki Bell (John), and Jackie Ramsey (Butch); Grandchildren: Ryan Freibert (Alexia), Emily Boulier (Mark), Erin Freibert, Anna V. Bell and Sylvia Ramsey; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and special family friend, Rose Fortman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron H. Bell; her parents, Warren L. and Lucille F. Gabhart; and beloved aunt, Tish Sinton.

Visitation will be held at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 1:30 p.m. Joint Interment for Col. Byron and Mrs. Neva Bell will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Cave Hill Cemetery in the Grinstead Columbarium.