Rachel R. (Durso) Belles

Rachel R. (Durso) Belles, 95, of Berwick, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Berwick.  Born in Berwick on October 29, 1929, she was a daughter to the late Angelo and Frances (Chickalese) Durso.

Rachel attended Berwick Area schools.  On April 22, 1951, she wed the late Eldon Belles, with whom she would raise her family and share 59 years of marriage.  She had been employed at Berwick Weaving and Consolidated Cigar.  She had also worked in the kitchen of the Maria Assunta and in several Berwick Area School District cafeterias.  Rachel was a member of First United Methodist Church in Berwick.  She loved cooking and baking, especially her Christmas cookies, which were enjoyed by all.  Mrs. Belles will be fondly remembered for her kindness and generosity.  She was a caregiver to her family, and always put others before herself.

Surviving Rachel are daughters:  Linda Schultz and husband, Dan, of Orangeville and Sharon Snyder and husband, Paul, of Danville; granddaughter, Lydee Garrison; step-grandchildren:  Melissa Broom and husband, Chris, Michelle Snyder, and Jennifer Pettengill and husband, Matt; step-great-grandsons:  Christopher Broom, Andrew Snyder, and Jack Pettengill; brother-in-law, Clayton Belles; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Rachel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eldon Belles, who passed away October 11, 2010.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah (Belles) Garrison; step-great-grandson, Nicholas Broom; brothers:  Rudolph Durso, Peter Durso, Ralph Durso, Frank Durso, and Michael Durso; and sisters:  Loretta Durso, Frances Hill, Theresa Farthing, Julia Krisansky, Agnes Antalosky, and Louise Chicki.

All are welcome to join Rachel’s family for her funeral 11 AM Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at First United Methodist Church, 200 N Market Street, Berwick, PA 18603.  Pastor George Price will officiate.  Friends will be received from 10 AM until the time of the service at 11 AM.  Interment at Pine Grove Cemetery Annex, Walnut Street will immediately follow.  Memorial contributions in Rachel’s name may be made to First United Methodist Church at the address above.  The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Belles family.  Online messages of comfort and support may be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.

First United Methodist Church of Berwick
200 N. Market Street, Berwick PA 18603