Shirlee M. Bell

Shirlee M. Bell, 85, of Franklin, passed away on Monday, December 28 at 2:55 p.m. at UPMC Northwest in Seneca.Born February 7, 1930 in Bullion, Shirlee was the daughter of the late Carl R. and Grace Hovis McGill. She worked as a legal secretary for 37 years for Harry W. Gent. Shirlee was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was a past member of the Business and Professional Women, enjoyed her card club, traveling, and gardening. Most of all, Shirlee enjoyed spending time with her family.Shirlee is survived by her son, Steven M. Bell of Franklin; her daughter, Rhonda B. Pope, and her husband, Michael L., of Pittsburgh; her three sisters: Marie Shull of Atlanta, GA; Carolyn McFadden, and her husband, Richard, of Franklin; and Barbara Searcy of Nashville, TN; her three grandchildren: Geoffrey Pope, and his partner, Sarah, of Pittsburgh; Alyson Pope and her husband, Brendan Malloy, of Pittsburgh; and Lauren Fitzroy, and her husband, John, of Pittsburgh; and her two great-grandchildren: Samantha and Elizabeth Pope. Additionally she is survived by the members of the Harry W. Gent family.In addition to her parents, Shirlee was preceded in death by her infant son, Rodney Bell, who passed away in 1959; her four brothers: Lewis, Leonard, Zane, and Richard McGill; and her long-time companion, Harry W. Gent.Friends and family can gather at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street in Franklin, on Sunday, January 3, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 4, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Jeff Little, pastor of Franklin First United Methodist Church. There will be a private interment.The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the charity of one's choice.To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.