Age 51, Luray, Va.
“We did not ask for this room or this music. We were invited in. Therefore, because the dark surrounds us, let us turn our faces to the light. Let us endure hardship to be grateful for plenty. We have been given pain to be astounded by joy. We have been given life to deny death. We did not ask for this room or this music. But because we are here, let us dance.”
― Stephen King, 11/22/63
It is with a heavy heart the family of Cynthia Paige Gochenour Bell announce her passing on Sunday, August 30, 2026, in Luray, Virginia. She was born September 21, 1974, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Cynthia was the daughter of Ralph Gochenour Jr. and his wife, Cindy, and Patricia Fox and her husband, Frankie.
On January 12, 1999, she married John Wayne Bell Jr., who survives.
Cynthia loved her family deeply, and those closest to her were always an important part of her life. From a young age, she was known for her free spirit and strong personality, and throughout her life she was loved and respected by so many.
She had a lifelong love of reading and writing and especially enjoyed the works of Stephen King. Music was another great love of Cynthia’s, with some of her favorites including Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr., and Travis Tritt.
Above all, Cynthia loved her family fiercely. She also loved Jesus and held her faith close to her heart. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and home with her Lord.
In addition to her husband and parents, Cynthia is survived by her children, Travis Allen Gochenour and Tiffany Amber-Gochenour Hughes and her husband, Chris Hughes; children whom she loved as her own, Dean Slater, Johnny Wallace, and Beth Shenk; a sister, Dawn Bond and her husband, Rich Bond; her stepsisters, Mindy Sellers, Jennifer Fox, and Katie Frazier; and a stepbrother, Justin Gochenour.
She is also survived by her niece, Melissa Mathews, and Melissa’s children, Aaleyah Andrade and Aryanna Andrade, who held a special place in her heart; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ralph and Betty Wilson; her paternal grandparents, Ralph and Jeannette Gochenour; and her beloved dog, Dixie, whom she loved and missed dearly.
Cynthia will be remembered for her free spirit, her strength, her faith, and, most of all, the tremendous love she had for her family.
In the perfect words of her son:
“She used so much nature-themed imagery in her writing; roses, rain, blood and vines. So, it’s fitting to think of this life as the undergrowth and she finally rose through the tangle and bloomed under the Sun.”
From the heart of her daughter:
“Somewhere along the way I learned that some stories are better left untold, however, mom’s story is the kind you never want to end. This is not goodbye, just the start of the next series.”
Rest easy Momma, we love you.
The close family of Cynthia is invited to attend a graveside service on September 8, 2026, at Beahm’s Chapel Independent Church.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on September 8, 2026, at Antioch Independent Church from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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