Florence Hagen Belk
Jan. 7, 1928 – April 13, 2020
Florence Hagen Belk, 92, passed peacefully on April 13, 2020, from dementia. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 7, 1928, and raised there, the younger daughter of the late Roy and Ruby Hagen.
Flo was preceded in death by her sister Margaret Hanford and great grandson Daniel Ziegler Jr.. She is survived by her husband, Otis Latham Belk, her children, Susan Raup Sube (Ron), James William Raup (Jane), Thomas Stephen Raup and John Christopher Raup (Julie), and step- children, Betty Belk Truitt and Bob Belk. In addition, she is survived by her four granddaughters Christina Sube Harlow (Mark), Rae-lynn Raup Ziegler (Dan), Annie Raup Wilkins (Bray), and Emily Raup-Chanin (Eli), and three great grandchildren, Brandon Harlow, Kaylin Harlow and Adaline Ziegler.
Flo graduated from William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri, with a degree in home economics. She was a homemaker and loving mother to her four children. Flo’s interests were traveling and camping, and she was a skilled seamstress and cook. She was well known for her love of chocolate and always kept a large bag of M&M’s nearby. She was dedicated to reading the newspaper, especially the comics, and would frequently clip out and send articles of interest to family members and friends. Flo was a passionate lover of animals, especially her favorite dogs, Alfie and Beau.
Flo was a longtime resident of Richmond, Virginia. Previously she had also made homes in Springfield, Virginia, and Luxembourg Grand Duchy, as well as Houston, and Beaumont, Texas. She loved living in Luxembourg in the 1970’s and had fond memories of her many travels both overseas and across the United States. Flo was a collector of things, and the family is fortunate to have many photos, mementos, beautiful art, and furniture from her life and travels. She will be remembered for her devotion and generosity to her children and grandchildren.
The family is grateful to the nursing staff and for the excellent care Flo received at the Imperial Plaza Memory Care facility during the last four years. They are also grateful to Heartland Hospice for the additional care and support given to Flo. The family will be planning a celebration of life event at a later date this summer. Contributions in Flo’s memory can be made at http://heartlandhospicefund.org/donate-2/ or mailed to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, 10800 Midlothian Turnpike #303, North Chesterfield, VA 23235.
Arrangements by Affinity Funeral Service Richmond Chapel.
Mom,
I love you and already miss you knowing that I can’t come visit anymore. During these uncertain times in our country with a virus that has us all worried and sheltered, I was unable to fly from Texas and be with you in your last moments. But I know you would have understood that. For many years I have regretted not living closer to you to help out and be there when you needed me. I am so grateful that I have two wonderful bothers and a sister who lived close enough to tend to you when I couldn’t. If you taught us one thing it was unconditional love for your children and how proud you were for being our mother. Many times I think of the moments as a child when I had poison ivy all over my body and you nursed me back after telling me to stay out of the woods! When you rubbed my forehead during sickness or headaches. You always made sure we had a good balanced meal to eat. To many great memories to list here. I can’t be there either when they lay you to rest but know that I am there in spirit and we will see each other again one day. Rest in the Lord mom. I love your dearly.
Chris and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose your parents. It’s hard to not be somebody’s kid anymore. Your Mother was a wonderful woman I know. She had to be to raise a wonderful son like you. Take comfort in knowing you’ll be together again.
Chris, my long time friend , so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Know that you are not along, others care and God has sent you a comforter, Jesus Christ. My condolences and prayers, so always look to the hills from where your help comes from.
Tom, My sincere sympathies and heartfelt prayers to your wonderful family. May God give you peace and comfort through this difficult time. She leaves part of herself in each of you with fond memories, happy times and laughter. I am privileged to have known your mother and blessed by your friendship. God be with you, all the family and Otis, always remembering that family and friends are with you in spirit and love.
Flo and Otis lived next door to us for 20+ years. Flo was like a big sister to both of us and we will certainly miss her. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. Dee and Dot Wolfe