Leah Ardel Belts' Obituary
Leah Belts passed away on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2024 at the age of 83. Leah was a long-time resident of Steilacoom and later moved to Puyallup to live closer to family.
Leah lived a long life, full of travels and friendships. Born in Salem, OR, she moved in her youth with her parents and brother to the small town of Harrisburg, OR. There, her parents ran a business and the family was active and uncommonly intertwined in the community. There, she met and married her husband who was a local rancher and eloped at the age of 20. This was a notable beginning to their long marriage and they soon started a family and supported one another as her husband, Dick attended medical school. Soon after, Dick joined the Army Medical core and the family moved to Texas, Oklahoma and Germany. They were happy to move back to the Northwest to be closer to family and cherished the friends that they made from around the globe.
Leah was a loving mother and devoted her life to her children and grand children, not to mention her pets! She was always present to entertain them with gifts, crafts, outings and an unending amount of patience. Those that knew her best recall her ability to handle things with grace, dignity and compassion. She loved nothing more than to cook for her family with a perfectionism that was unmatched.
A lover of music, crafts, reading and all things educational. She possessed the unusual ability to create contentment for herself and others. Leah organized from behind the scenes and never claimed credit or attention. Her stabilizing presence was mobilized with her active family on many occasions and she could always be counted on for a soft place to land.
Leah was known as a kind and loving friend with a deep affection for her church groups in Tacoma and Puyallup. Here she was rewarded with an embracing and compassionate community that never failed to fill her soul.
Leah is survived by her daughter, Laura (Belts) DeCaterina (Peter), brother, Alan Purvis (Ginger), Grandsons, Ryan Belts (Sarah) and Corbin Belts, grand daughter, Anna DeCaterina, as well as great granddaughters, Henlie Belts and Jozie Belts.
Leah lost her son, Rob Belts in 2009 and her husband in 2016, but her faith never failed her and she continued to carry on as she was a faithful believer in Jesus Christ.
Leah could confidently proclaim the words of the prophet Jeremiah: For I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
In the case of Leah, God has seen her through to a glorious conclusion.
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