V. Jane Belitz
Jane Belitz, 80, of Mitchell, SD, died Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Avantara Armour Nursing Home. A private immediate-family-only service will be held in Armour, SD. Burial will be at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Armour. A Celebration of Life for Jane is planned for next spring/summer to allow for Covid-19 restrictions to be lifted. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Verla Jane Belitz was born September 6, 1940, to James Vernon and Mildred Jane (Florey) Catherman in the Armour Hospital, one of four siblings including Marlene, Donna, and Darrell. The family was raised on a farm located between Armour and Corsica, where the children attended Douglas County Rural School and Armour High School. Their father died suddenly in 1957 leaving their mother, Mildred, to continue raising the family and providing for them. Jane finished out her senior year in 1958 reigning as Homecoming Queen and, in her own words, said she had fun and raised a “little hell.”
On August 9, 1959, Jane was united in marriage to William H. Belitz at the Congregational Church in Armour. Bill was a middle school teacher and coach all his life, moving his family from Bonesteel to Burke and then to their final destination, Mitchell. Jane cared for her two children, Debra and Jim, and owned and managed the Silver Star Motel from 1978 until 1983 with Bill, as he continued to teach. After selling the motel, Jane worked at Kmart under the supervision of store manager Mr. Whiteside, whom she liked and respected. She loved clothes and decorating her home which was apparent to all who knew her.
Jane and Bill had recently moved to Edgewood Memory Care. Both were diagnosed with Covid-19 in November which culminated in a move to the Armour nursing facility.
Survivors include her husband, Bill; children, Deb (Reg) Young and Jim (Nancy) Belitz; grandchildren, Brooke Belitz, Amanda and Mike Shelske, Alexander Young, and Mele Ann Rae-Bruhjell; great-grandchildren, Adam, Kai, Koa, and Xander; and her sisters.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Darrell.
Condolence cards and letters, along with well wishes for Bill’s speedy recovery, would be appreciated. Please send to Bill Belitz, c/o Deb Young, 813 West Ash Ave, Mitchell, SD, 57301.