Obituary of Dawn S. Bell

Dawn S. Bell went home to be with her Lord after a short illness on Monday Jan 26, 2026, at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. Dawn was born March 3, 1943, in Cortland to Rayfield and Zona Merihew. She also held her favorite Aunt and Uncle, Oma and Ron Thomas of Horseheads NY close to her heart as second parents. She married Ralph J Bell on October 28, 1961, in Homer NY. She was a member of Bible Baptist in Cortland NY where she also worked as a secretary for the church and Cortland Christian Academy over the years until her retirement in 1997. Upon retirement she and her husband Ralph enjoyed working in their many flower gardens that they both took great pride in. Dawn was predeceased by her husband Ralph, her parents, her favorite Aunt and Uncle, and her brother Richard. She is survived by a son, R. Joshua (Charlotte) Bell Jr of Windsor NY, two daughters, Theresa Darling, and Patricia (Ray) Congdon both of Cortland. She is also survived by grandchildren Nathaniel, Nicholas and Noah Darling, Cindi Barnes, Donna Hilfiger and Sean Congdon as well as 7 great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her sisters, Kay Waddy, Jean Kalilec, Joan (Paul) Phillips and Sharon Monroe as well as several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory are asked to consider Dryden Fire Department, PO Box 397, Dryden NY 13053 or Bible Baptist Church 15 West Rd, Cortland NY 13045