Evelyn Maxine Belknap

Evelyn Maxine Belknap, a loving mother and grandmother, a friendly neighbor, and a faithful servant of the Lord, entered into her heavenly reward, early Tuesday morning, February 6, 2007, from Union Hospital at Dover. Born at Dennison, October 18, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Francis Marion Davis and Gertrude Charlotte Reardon Davis. Evelyn graduated high school from Uhrichsville with the class of 1939 Â? and maintained many friendships over the years with her schoolmates which she looked forward to renewing at class reunions. After high school, Evelyn completed training at the Cleveland Institute of Business Technology. While she was a homemaker for most of her life, she did put her training to use while working for a decade for the State of Ohio as a typist, and for many years as a local Tupperware dealer in the Tuscarawas Valley. Evelyn was a faithful member of the First Church of God at New Philadelphia where she participated in many of the ministries of the church, including the Women of the Church of God, and the Church Women United. Active in the community, Evelyn enjoyed social gatherings which included the Senior Friends as well as the Ladies Rejoice Group, the Plus or Minus Sixty Group and the Wycliffe Bible Translators. For many years, Evelyn delivered readings and programs to groups. Many years ago, she was a member of the former Super Kids Kitchen Band which frequently played in local parades and community activities. Most of all, Evelyn lived the life God called her to lead, and was never too busy to share prayer time with neighbors and friends in need. Her neighborly spirit and genuine care for others will be sadly missed by all who called Evelyn a friend. On a blind date, Evelyn met the late Raymond C. Belknap. A short time later, the couple became engaged while on a date to a roller skating rink. They were married October 25, 1941 in the Dennison Church of God. During their nearly forty-two years of marriage, they reared a family that includes a daughter, Karen (Tim) Fox of New Philadelphia, and three sons; Jerry R. Belknap of New Philadelphia, Duane A. Belknap of Santee, California, and the late David L. Belknap. Over the years, the family grew to include six grandchildren; Dana (Keith) Shaw of New Philadelphia, Tom (Connie) Belknap of Mineral City, Bonnie Belknap of Gnadenhutten, Deana Oswald and Debbie Fox, both of New Philadelphia, and the late Tim Belknap. Numerous great-grandchildren, step great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren also survive. One brother Francis M. IV “Sonny” Davis and his wife Ida of Dennison as well as special friends Ed and Belinda Herzig of Uhrichsville complete Evelyn’s family. In addition to her parents, husband, son, and grandson, Evelyn was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Ruth Belknap. Friends are invited to call Friday afternoon from 4PM Â? 7PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. The Reverend Matt Roe will lead the Belknap Funeral Saturday morning at 10:30 in the First Church of God at New Philadelphia. Burial will follow at Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover. The ladies of the church will host a reception following the committal service in the church fellowship hall. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. So that her legacy of ministry may continue, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Church of God, 824, Tuscarawas Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.