Obituary of Patricia Ann Bellah

Our mom was born in McPherson, Kansas, on August 25, 1936 to Everett and Gladys (Schultz) McClelland. She was raised in Hoxie, Kansas, where her father was an extension agent. While her sister Shirley could usually be found reading a book, Mom was a bit of a tomboy who more often than not was outside playing ball with her brother Lynn. Mom attended high school in Washington, Kansas, where she was a cheerleader and played in the band. We only ever knew that she had been Homecoming Queen from our grandfather, who was more likely to brag about how she played on his men’s softball team. Even as a teenager, Mom was always a friend to the friendless and reached out to those in need. Mom went to Kansas State University where she was a member of Clovia Academic Sorority and majored in psychology. She was deeply bothered by the segregation of the 1950’s but also a little naive about racism. When we lived in Nashville in the early ’60’s, she smuggled her colored clothes into the Whites Only laundromat. It was at K-State that Mom met our dad, Glenn Bellah, and they were married on May 26, 1957. Our dad once said that marrying Mom was the best thing he had ever done, but it may have been the second best because he was also an awesome dad. They settled in Lindsborg, Kansas, where Dad taught in the biology department at Bethany College, and Mom was an active member of Bethany Dames and served as a dorm mother. Lindsborg became their forever home where they raised four children: Karil, Robi, Rick and John. Mom and Dad always encouraged us to participate in any activities available, and they attended numerous ball games (even if we were just coaching them), music concerts, and speech and drama events. Friends always felt welcome at our house, and they didn’t need to be related to us to be considered family. Mom and Dad joined Trinity United Methodist Church where Mom was involved in lay ministry of every kind. I can’t remember a youth activity I attended at Trinity that my mom wasn’t a part of. One of her favorite projects was the community World Day of Prayer. Mom invested her time in people. She spent a large part of each week visiting residents in Lindsborg and Marquette nursing homes. She enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels not only because the people needed a meal but because they needed a cheerful visit. Mom and Dad enjoyed everyday life together as much as they enjoyed pursuing new adventures through traveling. The only drawback for Mom was that their trips usually required her to pass a botany quiz, so Dad could be sure that she was really listening to him. Mom rejoiced as our family expanded with marriage, grandchildren and great-grands. Karil Bellah married Dale Sader. Their children are Rachel Bellah and Derek Hickey; Scott Sader and sons Winston and Truman; Lisa and Travis Allen and their children Henry, Conrad and Hazel. Eric Sader and Ben Ale-Ebrahim and son Gabe. Robi and Tom Alstrom’s children are Kali and Phil Witek and son Bowen; Seth Alstrom; Breta Alstrom and David Hunter. Ann (Desmo) Baca joined our family through her marriage to Rick. Mom’s world was rocked by tragedy in Rick’s death in a boating accident. Her pain was long and deep but mitigated through forgiveness and the continued relationship with Ann’s family: husband Chris and children Kalin, Kolten and Kilah. John and Carrie Bellah have two children: Trapper Bellah; Katie Bellah and fiance’ Michael Ryan. It was such a joy to celebrate Mom and Dad’s 50th anniversary with a family trip to Oregon. Mom’s legacy lies in the family she leaves behind but also in the many lives she touched through her kindness and service: a legacy of love. However, more than anything, our mom loved God, the people He created, and the world He created. She spent time every day in prayer and in her Bible, but she also expressed her love for God with her feet by going to those in need, with her hands by doing whatever work was needed, and with her ears by always being ready to listen. “Well done, you good and faithful servant. . . .”