Jeffrey Allan Beltz

My bond began October 1949 when Jeff was born. I am his sister Linda. My mother told me I was so jealous of the attention he was demanding I would crawl into his crib and March up and down on his newborn body. I was only 18 months old but apparently nimble and a good climber. After a visit to the doctor a lock was put on the outside of the nursery door. Mom said I would watch for the door to be secured and scream if ever she forgot…things did get better as he learned to fight back..

My very first memory of Jeff was our house on Dale Street in Michigan. Jeff would play on the gravel driveway with his dinky cars for hours. When he was finished each car would be washed and dried to be put in his room in the proper slot of a wooden organizer our father made for him. My sister and I would torment Jeff by putting all the cars in different positions. He would scream and cry for mother and we were reprimanded until the next time. Mind you, he was about four at this time.

Our house had a full basement and Jeff was now about six years old. He kept running up and down the stairway filling a shot glass with water. Finally he admitted he started a fire in the basement. He had found matches and snakes left from Halloween. A box of summer clothes were adjacent to his enjoyment and was now out of control. Mom thre a rug on top of the box and Jeff was sent to his room. Guess he didn’t think the Laundry room was in the basement with a sink and water!

This was not the only fire he started. We were living in Torrance, CA and another fire was started. He wouldn’t confess that he was the arsonist so we were both going to be punished. We were put on the twin beds while mom went to find a belt. I told Jeff to turn on his belly and put a large doll on his backside. And quick cover over the top and I positioned myself with the second doll. We both cried out as the dolls took the blows. Mom never found out and we kept the secret forever.

These are just a few of my early memories of my brother. I was so proud of the man he became after getting married to Elyse and being a father to JJ. He became a provider, friend to so many and a Christian. Their 50th wedding anniversary party proved they were a wonderful couple embracing life and friendships.

It was great growing up with you Jeff. Someone to keep my secrets, someone to pick on and someone to love. I do know one thing for sure there is no grief without love. I love you brother…

Jeff was such a really good man. He was always so kind, friendly, and welcoming to my husband and I. My husband really enjoyed his visits with Elyse because he would get to talk with Jeff (lol). He will be truly missed and he is with God now in his beautiful kingdom living better than ever! Rest in beautiful peace our dear friend.

Love, Chuck and Kristy Avila