Irene Bellis, 83, of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away November 20, 2022, at Aspire Senior Living.
Irene was born February 10, 1939, in Wichita, KS, to Kenneth L. Nusbaum and Glenda Alton Nusbaum. Irene married Otis Young in 1956 and had two sons, Bryan and Otis, Jr. (Opie). Otis Sr. was killed in a chemical plant accident in St. Louis in 1959. Irene married, Harry K. Bellis in 1962 and they were happily married for 38 years.
Irene located their sister, Wanda Hill, after 34 years of not knowing where she had been. She arranged a family reunion to bring everyone together. Irene and Harry loved spending time with family and friends. They would sit around the kitchen table for hours playing cards, reminiscing, and laughing. Irene and Harry were members of a local clock club, as she and Harry collected antique clocks. At one time, their house was filled with clocks on every wall. When they all chimed at once, it was quite exciting. Irene loved to embroidery and made many tea towels and pillowcases for her friends and family. Irene also enjoyed bowling; her highest score was a 288. Irene and her sister, Edie, would plant vegetable gardens and then canned what came out of the garden. Irene loves Jesus and will be looking forward to seeing each of us again.
Irene was preceded in death by her first husband, Otis Young Sr.; her second husband, Harry K. Bellis; her son, Otis Young, Jr.; her sisters, Mary Jane and Edith Weber; and her brothers, John Dewey and Kenneth Nusbaum.
Irene is survived by her son, Bryan Young; her brother, Eli Lee Nusbaum and wife, Pat (who Irene called Sis); her sister, Wanda Hill; her friend and caregiver, Linda McMillan; many friends, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Aspire Senior Living, Excelsior Springs for their excellent care and the extra love shown to Irene this past year.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, MO, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Richmond Memory Gardens, Richmond, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Our Sincere Condolences
So sorry for the loss of Irene. She was my bowling partner. Much sympathy to her family. She will be missed.
Colleen Pennington
Irene was a special aunt. I always enjoyed visiting with her. Hate that we missed her services. Our prayers are with her family.
Linda Phillips (Susie Herod)
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I spent 7 years taking care of Irene. We were good friends. I will see her again some day … I only wish I would have been notified of her passing. A note for her brother! God bless you and your family … Always remember God is good! He knows.
Linda Gritten