Mary Jane Belton

Mary Jane Belton, 99, of Battle Creek, and formerly of Danville, IL died January 28, 2014. Mary Jane was born July 19, 1914 in Danville, IL to Charles and Nina (Pederson) Walker. She graduated from Danville High School and married John Belton. The couple raised four children, and when Mary Jane was not tending to the house, she was working as a bookkeeper at the Belton Candy Company. She was a very loving mother, and a dedicated caregiver to her daughter, Julia.
Mary Jane had a variety of interests, and many of those were involved with music. She was classically trained in dancing, and often participated in high school events in singing and piano playing. She also accompanied the Elks Minstrels as a pianist. She also enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, gardening and swimming. When election time came around, Mary Jane worked as a pole staffer at the elections.
Mary Jane is survived by her two daughters, Patricia Ely of Battle Creek, MI and Marianne Gilmore of Atlanta, Georgia; a brother, Charles "Buzz" (Jane) Walker; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her loving husband, John; a son, Jack Belton; a daughter, Julia Belton; a granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Ely and a great-grandson, Zachary Belton.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 6, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek, MI. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Mary Jane's life will be 11:00 a.m. (CST), Saturday, February 8 at St. Paul Catholic Parish, 1303 N. Walnut, Danville, IL 61832, officiated by Fr. Gregory Nelson and Fr. Paul Faulstich. Interment will be held privately at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan, 3496 E. Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.