Belva Ann Lantz

Belva Ann Lantz, 86, of Bellefontaine, passed away Thursday evening, January 29, 2026, at Mary Rutan Hospital.

Belva was born in Urbana, Ohio, on January 10, 1940, to the late Glenn Thomas and Edith Marie (Morter) Williams. She married the love of her life, Duane Dale “Whitey” Lantz, on November 19,1960, in Bellefontaine, and he preceded her in death on May 11, 2002. Belva was also preceded in death by two brothers: Joseph E. Williams and Glenn Williams Jr., and three grandchildren.

Belva is survived by her children: Dana (Todd) Heydinger, Doug (Beth) Lantz, Tricia (Peter) Stolly, and Devry (Mike) Barker, all of Bellefontaine, 11 grandchildren: Lauren (Mark) Stamegna, Emily (Spencer) Geissel, Nicholas (Christy) Heydinger, Blake (Mackenzie) Lantz, Brittany Lantz, Simon Stolly, Maria Stolly, Ally Barker, Mandy (Jordan) Goetzke, Matt (Amber) Barker, Michael (Natalie) Barker, and 14 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way.

A 1958 graduate of Stokes High School, Belva started working at Ford Motors under the ownership of H.G. Short & Co., MacGillivray Motors, and Fred Daring Motors. She worked part-time at family-owned Super Valu Grocery. In 1979, Belva began work for the City of Bellefontaine Auditor’s Office, where she retired in 2002 as Deputy Auditor. Always a “bookkeeper,” it was said she has a file for everything. In saying this, Belva managed the books for Lantz Rentals from 1981-2020. Through all of these experiences, her favorite role of all was being “Mom.”

Belva was an active member of Bellefontaine First United Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed spending her winters at Holiday Mobile Park in Tavares, Florida, from 2006-2019. Each summer, she opened her home and her pool to family and friends, where laughter was shared and memories were made that will live on for generations. Belva felt very blessed to have her children choose to live in Bellefontaine where they were raised. Her favorite advice was always, “Don’t forget to dance,” and “If it’s on your bucket list— do it now.” Belva loved deeply, cared sincerely, and gave generously to her family, friends, and even strangers.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 5-7pm at the Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, where Pastor Greg Menssen will officiate Belva’s funeral on Wednesday, February 4, at 11am. Burial will be in Bellefontaine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bellefontaine First United Presbyterian Church, 117 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, OH 43311, or a local charity of the donor’s choice.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME and Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Lantz family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com.

Family authored obituary / EJT