Cleo Juanita Sanchez Bellah, born on June 11, 1934, was called to heaven on January 4, 2020. She was called to join her husband Robert Stephen Bellah, her beloved son Steve, parents Anastacio and Ruperta Sanchez, and sisters Lucille and Louisa. Cleo was the eldest of 12 siblings and was raised in the San Luis Valley. She did what she had to do since she was the oldest, she was a role model. Cleo married Robert in 1955 and together they created four children. While being a wife and mother, she went to school part-time and became a teacher. During her life, Cleo touched many lives and has made a difference by giving back to the community through her teaching, participation in various clubs and through her volunteer work. Cleo is survived by her children Cynthia Ruiz (James), Jayda Valenzuela (Jesus), Adrienne Hensel (Michael), 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, brothers, sisters, countless cousins, nephews,nieces, God children, friends and students.
Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Friday, January 10, 2020. Funeral Mass, 10:00 AM Saturday, January 11, 2020, both at St. Mary Catholic Church, Walsenburg, Colorado. Burial to follow at Gardner, Catholic Cemetery, Gardner, Colorado.