Shirley Belts

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Shirley Ann O’Brien-Belts 90, of Hiwassee, Arkansas passed away after a short illness at NW Medical Hospital, Bentonville, Arkansas on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

Shirley was born on February 7, 1933, in Joplin, Missouri to the late Noan Y. and Mildred (Obert) East. She grew up in Noel, Missouri, working for her parent’s grocery store and family farm. Shirley graduated from Noel high school as valedictorian and went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas with honors.

Shirley became a “Special Education Teacher” in Pineville, Missouri. She married Paul Belts and began assisting him on their purebred hog farm in Hiwassee, Arkansas for 30 years.

Shirley was a talented artist, gifting her family and friends with beautiful paintings. She loved to quilt, leaving all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren special custom-made quilts. She also was an avid gardener all of her life.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Paul Belts; brother Gilbert East; sister, Carolyn Thullbery and sons David, John and Dick O’Brien.

Shirley is survived by her daughters Marsha Douglas (Jary) of Grove, OK; Kathy Brooks (Bruce) of Marietta, OK; Grandchildren, Cody Venable (Megan) of Tulsa, OK, Josh O’Brien (Marie) of Jane, Missouri, Levi Douglas (Savannah) of Angleton, TX, Lisa Rickman (Heath) of Adair, OK, Brandon Douglas (Jennifer) of Norman, OK, Kristy Sanders (Dustin) of Guthrie, OK, and Amy London (Levi) of Collinsville, TX., Jared O’Brien (Kasey) of Anderson, MO., Amanda Davis of Grove, OK., and Natasha Davies of Carthage, MO.; and 20 great-grandchildren; sister Peggy Kestner of Billings, MT. along with numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Ashley Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Rogers, AR.

Memorial Service for Shirley will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Ozark Funeral Home, officiating will be Pastor Marilyn O'Brien and grandson Brandon Douglas. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service at the Pineville Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, Pineville, MO. In lieu of flowers contributions can be directed to the American Cancer Society c/o the funeral home.