Dateline: Alton

Barbara Ann Belcher, 82, formerly of Alton, died at 8:34 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Arbor View Nursing Home in Arvada, CO. Born April 14, 1935 in Decatur, IL, she was the daughter of Omar William and Agnes Marie (Smith) Thompson. She retired in 2003 after 25 years of service as a bus driver for the Alton School District. On October 13, 1956 she married Gordon E. Belcher in Alton. He preceded her in death on May 5, 2003. Surviving is a daughter, Patricia "Neal" Sheff (Mark) of Alton, two sons, Douglas E. Belcher of Alton, and Tracy A. Belcher (and fiancé Edith Crabtree) of Frederick, CO. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Ashley Belcher, Lindsey Lynch, Katie Benavides, Amanda Belcher, Aaron Belcher, Rachel Belcher, Taylor Belcher, Gloria Belcher and Alexi Crabtree, and nine great grandchildren, John M. Lynch III, Joshua Henry, Amber Henry, Kayden Allen, Raymond Benavides, Robert Benavides, Rylee Belcher, Alexis Caine, and Kaitelyn Caine. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home where funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2017. Reverend David Crowley will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation alzfdn.org in Barbara's name. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Online guest book and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com