She was born February 7, 1933 to Eunice Maude and Alfred H. Hancuff, in Toppenish, Washington. She attended the Toppenish schools. She married a farmer, Daniel E. Green, February 26, 1950, in the Harrah United Brethren Church, now called Harrah Grace Brethren Church. Their romance began in the hop fields of Toppenish and continued for sixty-four years.
They lived in Richland, where Belle worked as a bookkeeper for Collin Blier, later moving to Toppenish where they resided. She raised three children as a dedicated mother, and started working at Mayfair & Safeway as a checker-clerk when her youngest entered school. In 1969 she became co-owner with Dan of Green Realty of Toppenish, where she received her real estate and broker’s license. She worked side-by-side with her husband for thirty-one years in this business.
She was born with a song in her heart and was very musical. She began playing piano at a young age and played beautifully from grade school on. She was accomplished in piano, organ, and accordion and sang like an angel. She sang solo and accompanied herself on accordion for KBBO radio. She was a pianist and organist at Toppenish Grace Brethren Church, where she was a charter member and deaconess. She sang in local groups including Bel Canto for many years. She was an accompanist as well as vocalist and passed down her love and joy of music to her entire family.
She was a true athlete, enjoying hiking, camping, swimming, archery, bowling, and hunting with Dan. She was a charter member of Kamiakin Archery Club in the Lower Valley with her husband. In 1961 she received the women’s division First Place for Archery Carp Derby Shoot, though she was unwilling to take her prize fish off the arrow. She received many bowling trophies in local Toppenish events and won State WWBA tournament in 1956. She was very skilled in teaching and playing with the family in archery, bowling, and swimming.
She was very dedicated to the art of homemaking, canning fruits, sewing clothing, knitting and crocheting afghans for her children and many grandchildren. She loved hosting and opening her home to others. The greatest love of her life was her Lord and Savior, sweet Jesus. She accepted the Lord at a young age and continually had a passionate love for Him. She also taught her family the true Father’s love and joy, by word and example. She loved the Word of God and studied diligently. She had a heart devoted to prayer. She and Don taught Bible studies in their home. She was active in Bible Study Fellowship as a leader for many years. She loved sharing the joy of knowing Jesus. There is a faithful heritage demonstrating the Father’s love and joy which has been passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her legacy goes on in the lives that follow today.
The name Eunice, meaning victorious, and Belle, meaning beautiful, exemplifies who she truly was. She was a graceful and elegant woman, refined in every way.
Hallelujah! She is rejoicing and singing and dancing overwhelmed in His ecstasies of love... the forever party!
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her brother, Bob, and grandson, Justin. She is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Green, of Toppenish, and children Bonnie (Richard) Schilperoort of Toppenish, Daniel (Molly) Green of Zillah, and Pamela (Don) Labbee of Harrah. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wants to thank the staff of Chesterley Meadows for their precious loving care of Belle through the years. Thanks, as well, to Hospice for the gracious special care of Belle. May you be blessed. Donations in Belle’s memory may be made to Union Gospel Mission Yakima.
A Graveside Service will be at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Chapel of Yakima. Keith & Keith Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
To share a memory of Belle, visit www.keithandkeith.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18