Valerie Belden
Age - 92
December 1, 2023
Valerie Grayce Belden, Matriarch of the Belden Family, was called home by the Lord November 26, 2023 at the age of 92. She was born July 29, 1931, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Tony and Anna (Anthin) Mainella. She was united in holy matrimony with Delbert 'Del' Belden in St. Louis Park, Minnesota on March 12, 1955. This union alone immediately blessed her with three inherited children: Penny, Dennis, and John. They would all call her "Mom. "Valerie and Del were soon again blessed with two more sons, Paul and Ted, and enjoyed their life in Minnesota until 1973, when the family moved to Jacksonville, Arkansas to pursue the growth of the family business, Lomanco. During her life she also lived in Lake Havasu, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada, but after the passing of her beloved husband in 1993, Valerie returned to Arkansas to be closer to family. Valerie is preceded in death by her parents, husband Del, daughter Penny (Butch), and her sisters, Beverly, Marvis, and Dolly. She leaves behind her two sons, Paul (Gayle) and Ted along with their children Joshua Belden, Ashley Belden-Jones, Melissa Werner, and Mary Ward, as well as her two sons Dennis (Doris) and John (Dottie), and countless other family through three generations. Valerie had many names: Mom, Auntie, Honey-Boo, Val, Gram, Granny B, and Great Gramma. Regardless of what name you called her, you always felt her loving spirit. She enjoyed accompanying her husband to Oaklawn and to Shreveport to watch horse races. She didn't like traveling on airplanes; however, she did enjoy a memorable trip to London on the Concorde returning by boat on the Queen Elizabeth 2. She also made several trips to Clearwater, Florida to spend time with her sister, Dolly, and other friends. Valerie loved the furry family members she got to experience in her life, especially Cindy Sue, Princess, and Pumpkin. They gave her immense joy. She also loved to feed and watch the birds. Valerie will be remembered most of all for her consistently loving and giving nature. It was so palpable you could feel the love she put into everything she did. She was well known for her chocolate chip cookies, Christmas fudge, and most especially her traditional spaghetti and meatball dinners. She was also known for her joy in crocheting bright afghan blankets, and in putting together beautiful puzzles. Both of which mirrored her colorful personality. She also greatly enjoyed watching golf, tennis, basketball, and football. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 2:00 p. m. , with service to follow at 3:00 p. m. , bat First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that consideration be given to the Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock or the Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville.Show more
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