Mary Jo "Jodi" (Bentley) Belcher

Mary Josephine “Jodi” Belcher 

1938 – 2022

 

Mary Josephine (Jodi) Bentley Belcher, 83 of Fayette, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2022 at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.  She was well known in Howard and Chariton County as a business person and philanthropist.   She and her husband Don operated Don’s Auto Parts from 1957 to 1992 and she played a key role in running the business successfully. Jodi was the book keeper, counter person, and financial manager for their auto parts store.  She took particular pride in promoting the business - particularly during the holidays.  Many mechanics and farmers enjoyed the homemade candy that she made for customers during the Christmas Holidays.  She was the branch manager for Citizen Savings and Loan in Fayette, Missouri and enjoyed helping serve the local community with their financial needs.  In retirement, she was a clerk and cashier for the family business, Belcher Auction and Realty, and enjoyed attending and working every auction.  She was instrumental and supportive in helping raise thousands of dollars at charity auctions including the RiteCare Children’s Communication Clinic at MU.  She was an avid supporter of education and always encouraged her family to pursue college degrees as well as vocational training.  She was a Past Worthy Matron of the Ferguson Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She and her husband were instrumental in the building of the new Fayette Masonic Lodge located on Highway 5.  Most importantly, she was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church and served her church in many leadership capacities.  She loved to witness to others about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the power of the cross.  She prayed everyday and set the example by her daily actions in following His teachings.  Jodi loved spending time with her family and loved entertaining and cooking for them. She was an excellent cook and was one of the best bakers in the area.  For many years the house was filled with the smell of fresh bread, homemade pies and cookies.  She and her husband enjoyed entertaining others on New Year’s Eve at the family farm that was well attended by her life- long friends.  She enjoyed attending area fairs, music festivals, plays and events.  She and her husband Don were avid dancers.

Jodi was born on September 16, 1938 to Ernest “Hoot” Bentley and Martha Elizabeth Rice Bentley in Keytesville, Missouri and raised In Chariton County.  She attended Keytesville Schools and was very active in cheerleading and was honored to be homecoming queen.  After high school she attended modeling school in Kansas City and enjoyed her life in the city.  She married Donald Belcher on June 28, 1958 in Keytesville, Missouri and they enjoyed 58 years together.  

She was preceded in death by her husband Don, mother Martha Elizabeth Bentley, father “Hoot” Bentley and brother Tuny Bentley.

Jodi is survived by her daughter Tamara Sue Belcher Hinds and husband Kurt of Fayette, her son Mark Belcher and wife Michele of Fayette, grandchildren Stephanie Hinds of Columbia, Missouri, D.J. Hinds and wife Aura of Fayette, Mary Belcher Dezner and husband Leif of St. Louis, Ben Sears of Springfield, Missouri, Trent Isom of Hallsville, Missouri, great grandchildren Everett, Mirella, Reese and Bram, sister Julia Gaw of Moberly, Missouri and many nephew and nieces.  She is also survived by her special dog Mandy who was her constant companion.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Fayette, Missouri.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Jodi’s place of rest will be next to her husband Don at Walnut Ridge Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the First Baptist Church in Fayette.