Joan Elizabeth Belt

Joan Elizabeth ("Jo") Belt passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, surrounded by her children. She was born on May 9, 1928, in Bellaire, Ohio, the only child of Russell Giffin and Helen (Kreis) Giffin. Jo grew up on Rock Hill, Ohio, along with her many cousins. She met her future husband of 35 years, Dr. James C. ("Buck") Belt, when they were in 8th grade. They went to high school and, then, college together at The Ohio State University. Jo became an art teacher and continued her love of art for her entire life. She loved painting, ceramics and jewelry making as well as doing crafts with her children and grandchildren. Jo and Buck raised their family in Delphos, Ohio, where Buck established his medical practice and Jo was active in community affairs. She was a member of the Delphos Presbyterian Church, the Red Cross, the St. Rita's Hospital Auxiliary, the Delphos Club Auxiliary and she was instrumental in the re-establishment of the Delphos Historical Society. In 1968, she was named the Tri-County Woman of the Year. After Buck died in 1986, Jo continued to enjoy life and widened her circle of friends when she moved to Florida. There, like in Delphos and Lima, she was a spark for many memorable get togethers and she will be remembered for her beautiful smile and her sense of humor. For many years she organized an annual trip to the Ann Arbor Art Fair and she was always ready for an adventure in life. Later, Jo moved to be near her children and grandchildren, living in Clarion, Pennsylvania, Lansing , Michigan and, most recently, Van Wert, Ohio. Her family was the center of her life. Jo is survived by her children, Jane (Craig) Gudakunst, Jennifer (Todd) DuChene, Judy Belt and Russ (Rhonda) Belt, and her grandchildren, Doug (Dani) Gudakunst, Riley (Quinn) Gudakunst, Elizabeth, Maggie and Emily DuChene, and Makenna Belt. She was preceded in death by Buck and her granddaughter Mary DuChene. Jo was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2016 at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos, Ohio 45833. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Delphos Public Library by contacting [email protected] or to the American Red Cross. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weberfh.net. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joan Elizabeth Belt please visit our Sympathy Store.