Rosalie “Lea” May McMurtry
May 23, 1938 - November 19, 2024
Rosalie “Lea” May McMurtry, age 86, of Newark, DE, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
Lea was born on May 23rd, 1938, in Butte, Montana to the late Margaret Ann Daley and James W. Cole. She attended Ephrata High School along with her identical twin sister, Lynn Karwejna. Lea met her husband, Charles Belles, Jr. at the nearby Air Force base and went on to have two boys, Charlie, and Kevin.
She worked at Kmart with her twin sister, Lynn, where she managed the jewelry department. Lea loved her jewelry and was always decked out with multiple rings and earrings. After several moves, she eventually spent her last years living with her son, Charlie, in Newark, Delaware.
Lea was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Newark and attended with Janet Belles. She was the matriarch of the Belles family and became everyone’s “Grammy.” She loved getting her nails done with her granddaughter, Heather. Lea’s favorite part was when they pushed her in the chair from getting a pedicure to the nail station.
Lea was preceded in death by her son, Kevin. Lea is survived by her devoted son, Charlie Belles; daughter-in-law, Janet Belles; two grandchildren, Heather Belles, and Chad Belles; stepchildren, Shannon Daulley and Patrick McMurtry; and her niece, Patty Karwejna.
A celebration of life will begin at 1 pm on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Newark, 292 West Main Street, Newark, DE.
Diane Mabe
Such a sweet lady!
Becky Evans Tolmie
Charlie I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I enjoyed the pictures of times spent with you and your family. She appeared to be a wonderful fun-loving lady. Hold onto all your beautiful memories and carry them with you forever. Peace be with you and your family.
Eileen Duphily
Heaven has gained another Angel. Prayers to your family, at this different time.
Patty Karwejna
I miss you so much Lea. You were my second mom and I miss our weekly phone calls. You were a special lady and I will cherish our 63 years of memories.
Jennifer Dietrick
🙏 for your family who will miss you
Jillian Bills
Charlie,
I am sending my condolences to you and your family. She was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. ❤️
Sending hugs and kisses from NY
Rachael Moore
My deepest sympathy to Lea’s family..
She was a very dear and special friend.
I will cherish all the good times I had with her..
We had some fun times!
She was my second mother 35 years ago when I was living on my own.
She was always so full of life and good spirit!
I love and miss her!❤️
Wish I could be there for her celebration of life!
Bailey
She will forget be missed. The best great Aunt anyone could ever ask for. Even though I can’t be there in person, I will be there in spirit on Saturday.
Bonnie
Lea, first prayers to your family. I will forever cherish the memories I have with you, and ones I had with you and Lynn here in Wa. And the couple pics I have of us. Sorry I never made it to Delaware, we did talk about it a couple times.I know I’ll always be your guys number 1 shuttle driver. I will carry you in my heart always. Thankful God put you in my life, and I will see again someday. And I know you be watching all of us with full vision from above. Love you