Stephen ‘Steve’ Belcheff’s earthly journey began December 21, 1919 in Sofia, NM and finished August 21, 2015. At age 95 he was at home in Raton, NM when he ‘went home’ to be with the Lord. He was the third child of six and first son to Bulgarian and Macedonian immigrants Goncho ‘George’ and Vaslica ‘Lucy’ (Naum/off) Belcheff.
He was preceded in ‘end of journey’ by his parents; sisters Evonca (Dean) Atchley, Mary (Seferino) Comba, Polly (Carl) Hart, Danca (Jim) Dixon; brother George (De Rose) and daughters-in-law Karen (Wheeler) and Janey (Sandefer) Belcheff. He was born and raised on the family farm attended school in Sofia, graduated from Clayton High School and attended the University of New Mexico until he was drafted into the US Army in 1942.
Corporal Belcheff was part of the Air Service Command and stationed at Casa Blanca, North Africa inspecting, servicing, and maintaining wartime aircraft.
After his return from the war he met Alba Daves daughter of Johnny and Florence (Butler) Daves. They married September 1, 1946 in Clayton NM. Having worked at Riley’s Cleaners in Clayton, NM he was inspired to become a business owner and in 1951 moved his family to Springer NM where they owned and operated Smart Shop Cleaners. A business opportunity arose and he and Alba relocated with their five children to Raton where they owned and operated Zellers Cleaners until 1994. Steve was active in both communities serving such organizations as Kiwanis, Elks, President of the Springer Chamber of Commerce and instrumental in bringing radio personality Paul Harvey as a keynote speaker. Steve was a radio broadcaster for school basketball games. He played basketball, baseball and an avid golfer.
Their family includes children: Retha (Dennis) Shiplet, Larry Belcheff, Debbie (Dennis) Selvage, Lynette (Frank) Butts, all of Albuquerque; Steve (June) Belcheff of Texas. Four grandchildren: Jolynn (Steve) Kniffin, Scott (Dede) Belcheff, Sarah Butts, Erin Shope, Adam Selvage and three great-grandchildren Maiah Torres, Alexandra Belcheff, Jarin Shope, Alyssa Sandoval, all of Albuquerque.
A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held Saturday August 29, 2015 at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home 1310 South 2nd Street Raton NM 87740 at 2:00 P.M.. A viewing for the public is Friday August 28 2:00pm-4:00pm. A private interment will be at the family cemetery.
Honorary Pallbearers are Dave Swanson, Joe Gagliardi, Ron Schuster, Bill Cunico, Frank Cimino. Honorary Nephew Pallbearers are Danny Atchley, Lyman Atchley, George Belcheff III, Greg Belcheff, Carl Comba, Gary Dixon, Jerry Dixon, Harold Dixon, Jimmy Dixon.
Sincere appreciation of caretakers Gigi Arguello, Leanna Downy, Agnes Perez and the services of Robin Piley, RN and Sandi Casias of Ambercare.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Steve’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project.
