Cora Mae Bellknap was born Thursday, November 5, 1925 in Columbus, Ohio .
she died Friday, August 7, 2009. her recorded age was 83.
BELLKNAP Cora Mae Bellknap (Pfeifer), born November 5, 1925, departed this earth for a better place on August 7, 2009, at Riverside Hospital. Preceded in death by her loving husband Richard D. Bellknap, cherished brother John Pfeifer, sister Mary Jane Hobson and parents Edwin and Cora Pfeifer. Survived by her daughter and friend, Lydia Jo Bellknap of Reynoldsburg; and her special buddy, Thomas the Cat. She is also survived by her special sister-in-law, Lois Pfeifer, whose daily calls and care were such a joy to Cora; and very special nieces and nephews, Natalie and Jim Herrmann of N.C., Phil and Gwen Pfeifer of N.C., Mary Ellen, Jim and Chuck Hobson of Columbus, Alan Welch of N.C.; and cousin, Penny Messerschmidt. Cora also took great joy in special cousins, the Jordan family, the Tabor family, and a special love for her friends in Ariz. who always treated her like family when she visited. Mom was always delightful company to friends and family alike, and her kitchen was the area we all occupied. She loved to play cards, games, garden and especially read. She never read a book she didn't like. An avid movie buff (would always be the winner at trivial pursuit in that category), she also enjoyed live plays and concerts. And of course would jump at any chance to go to a local casino for a bit of gambling for the day. She had wit that lasted until the very end making me laugh between the tears. Mom also held dear our time with friends at Buckeye Lake, including the Pierces and the Reynolds. Mom's friends and family adored her and she them. Over the years, she especially enjoyed the company of two special girlfriends, Madeline Acree and Jean Barker, whom she has now joined, and I am sure they are celebrating her arrival. Although our immediate family was small, we take special pride in acknowledging good friends, the Acrees and the Verhoffs, who with their children were our extended family in central and southern Ohio. Mom was a superb homemaker, but also worked for a number of years at Timken Roller Bearings and at one time was one of the famous Rosie The Riveters during WW II. A special thank you to all her friends for their support during mom's lengthy illness, including good friends, Ginny Mott, her "second daughter", Claudia Galbreath, Bobbi Geiger, Doris and Ed Borger, Jessica Turner, and a huge thank you to our neighbor, Kris Usselman for her special care of both Mom and Thomas the Cat. Mom was always proud of the fact that her little birthplace in German Village was the First German Village Society House and we were able to visit on a number of occasions. A couple of visits, came as a complete surprise to the current resident by knocking on the door and asking to come in. A special thank you goes to the staff of the 7th and 8th floors at Riverside for their kindness and gentle manner with Mom. I would also like to acknowledge a special friend, Catrina Hiller, who has been a godsend. Friends may call at the SOUTHWICK-GOOD & FORTKAMP FUNERAL CHAPEL, 3100 N. High St. on Monday 6-8 p.m., where service will be held Tuesday 1 p.m. Interment Walnut Grove Cemetery.