Jean Marie (Mather) Belford

Jean Marie (Mather) Belford

August 17, 1934 – June 14, 2026

Jean Marie Belford, age 91, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends whose lives she touched so deeply.

Born on August 17, 1934, in Dayton, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Owen Wilton Mather and Eloise Broadstone Mather. After spending her early childhood in Dayton, her family moved to Marion, Ohio, where she grew up and built lifelong friendships. She attended Marion Harding High School, where she was active in the Pep Club and became known for her warm personality and outgoing spirit.

A devout Christian, Jean served the Lord faithfully at Trinity Baptist Church in Marion and at Prospect Baptist Church, where she provided the church flowers for many years. She served as mission chair of the American Baptist Women’s Association, Women’s Circle, sang in the choir, and was recognized as Missionary of the Year in 2012, a testament to her lifelong commitment to her faith and her community.

On June 13, 1954, Jean married Kenneth Belford, and together they celebrated fifty-seven years of marriage before he preceded her in death in 2012. Their partnership was one marked by shared joy and devotion. Jean and Ken taught ballroom dancing together and delighted in dancing at the annual Charity Ball and Heart Fund events. Jean's love of music extended to many years of singing in the church choir.

Jean was known for making every gathering special. She was an exceptional cook, baker, and candy maker, learning the art of candy making from Dick and Joan Shirk of Shirk's Candy. Family and friends looked forward to her Christmas cookies, homemade noodles, candies, and the many recipes she created from the produce she and Kenneth grew in their large garden. Pickles, sauerkraut, tomato sauce, beets, zucchini, and countless other homemade favorites were staples of her kitchen.

A natural people person, Jean was involved in many organizations throughout her life, including Eastern Star, Beta Sigma Phi, Bridge Club, Prospect Literary Guild, Key Club, Girl Scouts (where she served as a leader and became a Lifetime Member), and the American Baptist Women's Association. She never met a stranger and formed lasting friendships wherever she went.

Jean enjoyed a long professional career working over 30 years at Fairfield Engineering Company, and also at Marion Power Shovel, General Telephone Company, and Verizon. Her coworkers knew her as a thoughtful friend who loved organizing potlucks, celebrations, and gatherings.

She took great pride in her home, decorating beautifully for every holiday and filling her gardens with colorful flowers. She loved fashion, jewelry, and always looked forward to visits with her hairstylists and nail technicians. Gift-giving was one of her special talents; every package was carefully chosen, beautifully wrapped, and filled with love.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Edward Belford; her parents, Owen Wilton Mather and Eloise Mather-Pelphrey; her stepfather, Jesse Pelphrey; her sisters, Grace Moore and Joann Mather; and many beloved family members and friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Steve) Oswald of Marion, and Dr. Amy (James) Reese of Sandusky. Her brother, Mark (Nancy) Pelphrey of Mansfield.  Granddaughter Angela (Michael) Weaver of Parkland, Florida. Grandsons, Owen (Alicia) Oswald of Marion, Jacobi (Cheyenne) of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wesley Johnson of Sandusky, Andrew Reese of Sandusky. Great-granddaughters Brooke, Charlotte, and Grace Weaver of Parkland, Florida, Lillian Oswald of Marion, and Spencer Reese of Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Great-grandsons Gregory, and Lincoln Oswald of Marion, and Ezreal Reese of Fort Wayne, Indiana.  She also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members, coworkers, and dear friends.

Jean treasured her friendships and the many people who enriched her life. Her family is especially grateful to everyone who called, visited, shared memories, offered gifts, and brought joy to her throughout the years.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and staff of Wyndmoor of Marion Memory Care for their compassion and dedicated care, as well as the hospice caregivers, clergy, and staff of Gentiva Hospice for their kindness and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to Prospect Baptist Church or Trinity Baptist Church of Marion, Ohio.

Jean will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart, joyful spirit, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness and service.

Calling hours will be held on July 5 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Boyd Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place on July 6 at 11:00 a.m. and burial will be at Prospect Cemetery.

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