Janella Anne Belsher

Janella Anne Belsher passed away on October 19, 2018 at age 79 after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her sisters Joyce Hardin and Joan Kenley, her son Anthony Belsher, two daughters Jeri Belsher and her partner Ken Rawls, and Michelle Hess and her husband John Hess, her grandchildren Hope Hess and her partner Krystal Montoya, and Zachary Hess and his partner Bailey Brown. She also had many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved chihuahua, B.B. She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Viola Smith, and husband Milton Belsher. Jan was born in Waco, Texas, but lived most of her life in Albuquerque where she ran several successful businesses, especially Hair Concepts Salon where her customers weren't just clients, they were also her friends. She also provided free haircuts for survivors of domestic violence. Among her other careers, she was a talented jewelry designer for her and Milt's jewelry store, M-J Silver Crafts, and was a store manager for Value House in Santa Fe, as well as working for the Democratic Party as a notary public. Jan was also a very talented singer, could play almost any instrument by ear, and was asked to sing at many family and friends' weddings. She was an avid fan of giraffes, and over the years collected many from friends and family, until she also became known as "The Giraffe Lady." A celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, at 425 Towne Park Dr, ABQ, NM 87123 in the Towne Park Clubhouse, located at Eubank and Chico. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to your favorite charity, the giraffes at The Rio Grande Zoo, or the America Cancer Association.