Lou Ellen Farley Belcher of Princeton, WV was welcomed into the arms of her loving Lord and Savior on October 29, 2025.  Nothing was more important to her than sharing the love of Jesus. Through her unwavering faith and spiritual growth, she became a living testimony of God's grace, courageously fighting a physical battle and living many years longer than doctors anticipated.  Her family was constantly by her side, providing comfort throughout her journey.

Lou was the seventh daughter born to the late Cecil Farley and Lucy Wood Farley, with one brother being born after her.  She was married to Freddie Belcher, the love of her life, in June of 1962.  She embarrassed him until the very end, telling all the medical staff, "He is the cutest old man I have ever seen!"  Her daughter and grandsons were her delight as she doted over and celebrated their accomplishments throughout their lives.  Each one felt so special as she would write "love notes" over the years expressing her deepest thoughts.  She was the first person to be called in a crisis, because they all knew she was going to pray fervently and share her timely wisdom.  She was the "life of the party" even in her latter years.

In addition to her parents, Lou was preceded in death by her siblings; Mary Jane Richardson, Willa Mae Shepherd, Lorene Slusher, Dolly Bishop, and David Farley; and former son-in-law Melvin (Skip) Dalton.  Those left to carry on her memory are her husband, Freddie Lee Belcher; daughter, Jill Belcher-Cerankowski and spouse Joseph Cerankowski; grandson, Jeffrey Dalton and girlfriend Caiti Riden; grandson Kyle Dalton and spouse Robynne Dalton.  She was thrilled to be expecting her first great-grandchild (daughter of Kyle and Robynne) in February 2026.  She related a dream she had of holding this precious little one before it was known they were expecting and often bragged she got to hold her before anyone else.  Additionally, she is survived by her sisters Cora Thompson and Florence Bishop; several brothers and sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved very much!  She often commented on how blessed she was to have such a close-knit family who genuinely loved one another.

Lou had a career as a hair stylist spanning nearly five decades, most of which she was delighted to work adjacent to her loving husband in their co-owned and operated, Fred's Barber Shop.  Although she was an expert in her field of hair, she used it as a platform for ministry as she listened to and prayed for countless patrons over the years.  She took advantage of every opportunity to serve and minister to others, including State National Day of Prayer Coordinator, Billy Graham Films Executive Secretary, short-term mission trips to both Africa and Israel, President of Women's Aglow Ministries, youth group leader, 4-H leader, and helping establish the local Adult and Teen Challenge program.  She had a passion for dramas and has written and directed numerous Christmas and Easter plays over the years. She loved putting costumes together, creating lavish stage displays, and pulling the gifts and talents from those who participated in the productions. At the time of her last admission to CCU, she was in the process of writing her final Christmas play.  She considered her physical issues to be secondary to her desire of completing the transcript with directions to her dear friend, Bonnie Wiley, who will honor her by directing this final production at Willowbrook Baptist Church in December 2025.

In leu of flowers, Lou's wishes were for donations to be sent to Willowbrook Baptist Church, 118 Willowbrook Rd., Princeton, WV  24739.  She noted that she and Freddie were dating when the church was built, and they have been so blessed by their church family.  Her desire is for the funds to help continue the legacy of ministry through dramatic presentations and investment into the youth and families. A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2025 at Memorial Funeral Directory Chapel with Pastor Emory Merchant and Pastor Marvin Wade. Interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, Princeton, WV. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com The Belcher family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory & Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton