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Obituary for BELCHEFF


Published in the Albuquerque Journal on Tuesday March 09, 2010

Karen Lynn (Wheeler) Belcheff, 52, passed away at her home on March 7, 2010. She fought a courageous battle against ALS for over two years. She was born December 21, 1957 in San Angelo, Texas and grew up around the US while her dad was in active duty with the Air Force, moving to Albuquerque when he retired. She married Larry Belcheff on October 26, 1985 in Albuquerque, NM. She received her Bachelor and Masters degree in education from UNM and taught third and fourth grades at San Antonito Elementary in Sandia Park, NM for more than 15 years. She was an inspiration to the many children whose lives she influenced in countless ways, both in and out of the classroom, throughout her life. She loved her Lord and was activity involved at Heritage Christian Fellowship. She taught children's Sunday School and was involved in the Women's Ministry. Karen and Larry hosted a home fellowship group for many years. Karen loved horses and was actively involved in the National Association of Trail Riders (NATRAC), her other passion was quilting. She is survived by her husband of 25 years; step-son Scott Belcheff and wife Deidre, with the highlight of her life granddaughter Alex; her mother Mildred "Mickey" Wheeler; two brothers and family David & Mary, their daughters Lindsey and Chelsea Wheeler. Allen and Debbie Wheeler. In-laws Steve and Alba Belcheff of Raton, NM; brothers and sisters in-law of Albuquerque, NM, Frank and Lynette Butts, Dennis and Debbie Selvage, Dennis and Retha Shiplet, Steve and Janey Belcheff of Leander, Texas; nieces and nephews Jason, Erin and Jarin Shope; Vince and Sarah Moya; Jolynn and Maiah Torres; Adam Selvage and Jerrod Shiplet. She was preceded in death by her dad Terry Wheeler in 1990. Karen's endearing smile, warmth and caring personality will be forever impressed in our hearts. We will remain eternally grateful for having her in our lives and will honor her by emulating the same spirit of joy and love that she gave to all of us. The family extends heartfelt appreciation and thanks to her many friends, care givers, and providers from Hospice of NM. Her service, followed by a reception, will be held in Albuquerque at 3:00 p.m. Thursday March 11, 2010 at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd NE. Burial will be in the Belcheff family cemetery in Sofia, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the ALS Foundation, 27001 Agoura Road - Suite 250 - Calabasas Hills, CA 91301. Please visit our online guestbook for Karen at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500