Belva Leona Miller Keele Tarkalson

Belva Leona Miller Keele Tarkalson was born July 25, 1930, in Idaho Falls to Gwendolyn May Wold Miller and Edson Dee Miller. Belva was the eldest of 4 children along with her sister Marjorie, brother Joel, and little sister Sheryl. She attended school in Ammon, Idaho where she met Leo Keele at a Gold and Green Ball at church in January 1948. They were married on February 24, 1948. Of this union they had six children. Jean and Dan were born in Anaconda, MT, Cindy and Nancy was born in Tooele, UT, Bob, and Nora born in Kearns, UT.

Leo worked at the Smelters in Tooele and Anaconda. Mom being a housewife and mother of six kids, she made many of our dresses and matching shirts for the two boys. She always braided our hair for school, sometimes so tight we had raised eyes and brows!

Mom used to make the best homemade bread and scones. She was always so loving and giving of her hugs and kisses. Her sons-in-law were treated like extra sons. Mom loved reading romance magazines and watching soap operas. She called herself a tv-aholic right up to the end and enjoyed old westerns like Gun Smoke. With most of our family moved, mom always asked us to tell our children and grandkids she sends her love. Saying every day when any one of us were with her, as we were ready to leave the house (even earlier the night she passed) she always said, “drive careful and watch out for that other guy and animals.”

Goodnight sweet loving mama, we all love you so much.

Belva is preceded in death by her parents, sister Marjorie, husband Leo, and later husband Warren Tarkalson. Also, grandson Troy Clegg, and great grandchildren Dillion Sanders and Tessa Marie Hamel.

Belva is survived by her brother Joel ( Ila) Miller and sister Sheryl Watson, her children Jean (Elden) Fresh, Dan Keele, Cindy (Ron) Sanders, Nancy Lutey, Bob (Lisa) Keele and Nora Neilsen. Also, grandchildren Trudy (Rob) Parkes, Tracy (Lisa) Hamel, Travis (Yvonne) Hamel, Tia Leona Fresh, Jim Keele, Warren (Evy) Sanders, James (Dorie) Sanders, Angie Hicks, Joni (David) Medina, Lily Ferrell, Natalie (Julian) Trevino, Amberly (Leonard) Martinez, Jesse (Lori) Orton, and Sarah Jeffries Perry. Belva also has 34 great grandchildren and 14 great- great grandchildren. She is also survived by all of her nieces, nephews, cousins and church friends.

A Funeral Service for Belva will be held Friday, June 16, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1300 W. Park St, Anaconda, MT, beginning at 11 a.m.   A one-hour viewing and visitation will take place prior to the Funeral Service at the church, beginning at 10 a.m. A Graveside Service will be held immediately following the Funeral Service at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 5001 Crackerville Road, Butte, MT. A funeral luncheon will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the conclusion of the graveside service.

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Belva.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Belva and her family.