Alba Evyline (Daves) Belcheff was the third child born to Johnny & Florence (Butler) Daves in February 1925 at the Tate Community southwest of Clayton, New Mexico.
Her brothers and sisters-in-law were William and Zelma (Pettis) and Warren and Doris Jane (McCafferty) Daves. From their home Alba rode horseback two miles to catch the school bus to Clayton.
She later moved to town working at the Clayton City Drug Store while completing her junior and senior school years. She also had a natural gift of designing and sewing clothes which would later prove her to be a master seamstress. It was at the Drug Store she encountered the love of her life. Just returning from the army Steve Belcheff of Sofia, NM stepped off the bus, entered the drug store to visit his pharmacist friend. When he saw her he said “one day I’m going to marry her.” And so it was on September 1, 1946.
They later moved to Springer, NM where they owned and operated Smart Shop Cleaners. A great business opportunity took them to Rato,n NM in 1963 owning/operating Zellers Cleaners until their retirement in 1994. They were very involved in both communities. Alba made clothes for her children, dolls, and dance costumes. Alba initiated the seamstress role at Zellers serving many customers with alterations. She gained a passion, along with her daughter, for genealogy and they made many trips in search of ancestors and distant cousins. She also created a historical book on the residents of Sofia, New Mexico founded by her father-in-law George Belcheff.
They were blessed with five kids, six grandkids and four great-grandkids. Their kids and spouses are: Retha and Dennis Shiplet, Larry and Debbie (Yob) Belcheff, Debbie and Dennis Selvage, Lynette and Frank Butts, all of Albuquerque; Steve and June (Cambell) Belcheff of New Braunfels, Texas. Six grandchildren: Jolynn (Steve) Kniffin, Scott (Dede) Belcheff, Jerrod Shiplet, Sarah Butts, Erin Farmer, Adam Selvage and four great-grandchildren Alexandra Belcheff, Maiah Torres, Jarin Shope, Allyssa Sandoval, all of Albuquerque. They have numerous nieces and nephews. A special shout-out to caregiver Leanna Downy and neighbors Ron and Linde’ Schuster.
Alba was preceded in ‘end of earthly journey’ by her parents, brothers, husband, and two daughters-in-law.
Steve and Alba were swell dancers. Steve has been awaiting her arrival since August 21, 2105. Alba joined him in dance on August 3, 2017.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice
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Memorial service 2:00pm August 12, 2017
Yaksich-Long Funeral Home 1310 South Second Street Raton NM 87740
Internment Sofia NM Sofia Cemetery
