Ruth Bell Ilar

On December 31, 2016 at 5 o’clock in the morning at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston. Ruth left behind her earthly body to receive her eternal reward in heaven. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me on that day.” II Timothy 4:7-8 Ruth was born May 7, 1936 on Mount Vernon Road, Hurricane to the late Ezriah and Hazel Tinson Bell. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, two-year old Jackie Bell and her former husband Paul Ilar. Ruth graduated from Hurricane High School in 1954, attended Charleston School of Commerce, worked for Rose City Press and later in life for M & W Wholesale and retired from State Farm Insurance. She was a member of TOPS and The Red Hatters. Ruth was a founding member of Good Shepherd Southern Baptist Church, Scott Depot. She faithfully attended, taught a children’s Sunday school class for years, sang in the choir and did numerous things to help make Good Shepherd what it is today. She truly loved her Open Door Sunday School Class. She was an influence in the lives of many, and never met a stranger. Ruth was known for her pie baking; especially lemon and coconut cream. At church dinners and family reunions, people would rush to the dessert table for a piece of her pie before they sat down for their meal.After going through thirty treatments of radiation that left her very weak, she baked four pies for the doctors and nurses at CAMC Cancer Center, where they gobbled them up quickly and wanted more. That was the last time she baked her famous pies. Ruth is survived by brother Burk Bell and sister-in-law Estelle Bell of Winfield who were her caregivers; niece, Carla Davis of Portsmouth, Va., nephews; Dwight Bell and wife Dee; Rodney Bell and wife Wendy, Brian Bell and wife Nina, all of Richmond, Va.; six great-nephews, Ryan, Travis, Andrew, Robbie, Logan and little Ryan. Two great-nieces, Shannon and Jeanna, two great-great nephews and many loving cousins. She is also survived by Brother-in-law, Jimmy Ilar and his wife Norma of Clinton, Tenn. whom she loved dearly. Funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Sunday January 8, 2017 at Good Shepherd Southern Baptist Church, Scott Depot with Pastor Kenny Stidham and Rev. Herb Slaughter officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Hurricane. Friends may call from 6-8pm Saturday at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Kathie Wyant of Seminole, Fla, a cousin for the care and love of Ruth the two months she stayed with Ruth during her illness. Also the staff of Teays Valley Center Rehab, Bellaire at Devonshire, and the Hubbard Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested donations be made to Good Shepherd Baptist Church Building Fund, 162 Tiger Lane, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or to the Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston. Visit Ruth’s tribute page at ChapmanFuneralHomes.com to share memories, stories or condolences with the family. Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane is honored to serve the Bell and Ilar families.