Jean Belden

Alma Jean “Jeannie” Belden, 92 and a life-long resident of Cortez, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Jeannie was born April 17, 1929 to Robert and Ora Lee (Biard) Page, in Kline, CO.
Jeannie’s family moved to Montezuma County to work a farmer’s land when she was three years old. She and her two brothers were raised on many ranches in the valley. She had a myriad of vibrant stories of her childhood including camping with friends on the Sleeping Ute Mountain when she was only nine. She would laugh describing the horses getting loose in the night as she and her young friend had to find them in the dark with no pants.
In 1948 Jeannie married her husband of nearly 60 years, Duane Belden (2009), and she leaves their devoted children, Susie, Terry, and Rocky. Their family journeys led them all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for hiking, skiing, boating, and camping. In 1955 Duane started his own business and, always in his corner, Jeannie went to work there. She was her husband’s accountant and general manager for 47 years at their business Belden Motors/Four Corners Farm Sales. When they “retired” in the 90’s the two never slowed down, organizing many auctions, traveling, and Jeannie continued her passion for sewing by teaching 4-H and knitting many donated hats for children in the community.
Jeannie leaves three children, six grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren; all of whom miss her terribly and cherish her memory.