Autie Bland (Gibson) Belshe 1884-1984

Autie Bland Belshe was born in Richland, Missouri on September 18, 1884, the second child of James and Jennie Gibson. Her childhood was lived in Jefferson City, Missouri, but she returned to Richland as a young lady and was married to Ovid H. Belshe on January 21, 1906. It was a truly loving union which lasted more than fifty years and was blessed with four children.

One son, Robert, preceded her in death in 1927. The surviving children are Rosalynn Hillhouse and Horace Belshe of Richland, and Francis B. Belshe of Normal, Illinois. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. Oleta Gordon, of LaMonte, Missouri, besides several nieces and nephews.

After Ovid’s death in 1958 Autie lived alone for many years but her home was always filled with friends and family. Her joy in living was contagious and her deep, sincere faith in God was an inspiration to all. For countless years she taught Sunday School classes at First Christian programs became traditional thru the years as she recited the scriptural story from memory. She loved memorizing scripture and choice poems, and could recite them perfectly long after her ninetieth birthday.

Her favorite poem expresses her strongest conviction.

I wonder as I look upon
The white snow-covered
sod
Just what the people do
who say
They don’t believe in God?
Where do they get the strength
To bear the burdens of the
day?
To whom do they petition
When they feel the need to
pray?
Although it is a mystery
As o’er the fields I plod
I’ll never have to worry,
Cause I know there is a God

(Author unknown)

Autie found great comfort in these thoughts and died quietly in love and peace in the evening of September 7, 1984, eleven days short of her 100th birthday.

Funeral services were held under direction of Colonial Funeral Chapels.