Melbalene “Mrs. B” Belknap, age 95, of Sherrodsville, Ohio, passed away Friday morning, February 14, 2025 in the New Dawn Healthcare Center at Dover in the company of her family.
She was born September 6, 1929 in Jerry Run in Wood County, West Virginia, and was the daughter of the late Orville Hobson and Sarah Elizabeth (Anderson) Conrad. Her first husband, Clayton J. Belknap, died October 5, 1976. In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by her second husband, Al Snyder, a son Rodney J. Belknap, two brothers, Orville Conrad and Eugene Conrad, sisters Bernice Caldwell and Lenita “Jean” Henry, and an infant sister, Leona Conrad.
Melbalene owned and operated “Mrs. B’s” Pre-School out of her home in Sherrodsville for many years. She found great joy in the company of young children and she helped create a positive foundation in the lives of many area young people who recall her fondly. She recently attended the Preach the Word Ministries Church in New Philadelphia. She was a 1947 graduate of the former Sherrodsville High School and held an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She was skilled at needlecraft and spent many hours quilting, crocheting and cross-stitching. She was also fond of tending to her garden and flowers. Her greatest joy came when attending engagements with her family.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon L. Belknap Meek of Dover, OH, her grandchildren Dawn Noel Neiger of Dover, Erik (Kumiko) Belknap of California, Melissa “Missy” Belknap of Tallmadge, OH, and Amy (Omer) Khosravi of Seattle, WA, a family of nieces and nephews which includes Tamara Bryan of Carrollton, OH, Ann (Dan) Tope of Sherrodsville, Bobby (Kay) Henry of Florida, Tom (Karen) Conrad of Sherrodsville, Doug Conrad of Dayton, OH and Donnie (Saundra) Caldwell of Dayton, OH.
In keeping with Melbalene’s desire for simplicity, no formal funeral services will be observed. She will be buried alongside her first husband Clayton in the Sherrodsville Memorial Gardens. The Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville has been entrusted with her arrangements. To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.
Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com
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