Ann Louise Belen

Ann Dore’ Belen passed away in Missoula, Montana, on February 2, 2019, after a short illness. Ann was born in Munising, Michigan, and graduated from Sacred Heart School and Mather High School. In 1954, Ann and Julius Belen were married, and they raised three children, Katherine, Jean, and William.

A long career in the National Park Service took Ann around the country through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Fort Union National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Colorado National Monument culminating at Crater Lake National Park. After retirement, Ann settled in Polson, Montana. She embraced the community and was an active volunteer for many causes and programs including St. Joseph Medical Center Service League, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, Polson Chamber of Commerce and Mission Valley Animal Shelter. She was an avid bridge player, and loved to tend her yard and garden. She knitted scores of mittens, hats and afghans to give away to those in need.

Ann is survived by children, Katherine Regier and husband, Steve of Trout Creek, Montana; Jeannie Slatten and husband, Barry of Lindale, Texas; and Bill Belen and wife, Mary of Munising. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and spouses, Ben and Kris Regier of Sandpoint, Idaho; Arielle and Rob Regier-Evans of Bozeman, Montana; Michael and Melissa LeGrand of South Carolina; Katherine and Shane Maddox of Munising, and four great-granddaughters. Her siblings, John Dore’ of Munising, and Mary Helen Dore’ Maresh of St. Francis, Wisconsin also survive.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Polson Senior Center. In lieu of flower, please make donations to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry or Mission Valley Animal Shelter in Polson, Montana.