Madge Luper Belding

Madge Luper Belding was born August 6, 1916 at Rose Hill, Texas. She passed away January 11, 2004 in Palo Pinto County, Texas.Madge was the daughter of Alma Anderson Luper and Calvin Aaron Luper. Madge graduated from the Locust Grove elementary school and Garland High School. She married Frank Belding of Palo Pinto County on May 31, 1936. Madge and Frank ranched in Palo Pinto County, Crosby County, and Erath County until the death of Frank's father in 1966. At that time they returned to Palo Pinto County and the Belding Ranch. There they restored the historic Belding ranch house, becoming the third generation of that pioneering ranching family to operate the ranch from the original ranch headquarters. Madge and Frank remained on the ranch until Frank retired and passed the operation of the ranch on to his daughter and her husband, Barbara and Cy Gibson.Madge was active in the Baptist church all her life, having become a Christian and a church member at an early age. She was active in Home Demonstration clubs through the years, serving as 4-H leader during the 50s. She owned and operated an antique shop in Stephenville during the 60s. She was responsible for the organization of the Brad Community Homemaker's Club and was active in furnishing the original old log cabin in the Palo Pinto museum complex.Madge Luper Belding was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Belding; her parents, Alma and Calvin Luper; a sister, Selena Mae Luper Herfurth; and two brothers, Calvin Farris Luper and Morris Ward Luper.She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Belding Gibson of Palo Pinto County; a grandson, Shawn Keith Gibson of Palo Pinto County and a granddaughter, Charlotte Gibson Reyna of Sherman, Texas; two great grandsons, Randy Travis Reid of Duluth, MN and Israel Aaron Reyna of Sherman; four great granddaughters, Hilary Rae Gibson and Taylor Rae Gibson of Palo Pinto County, Rose Michelle Reyna and Kaitlyn Grace Reyna of Sherman; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.There was a small graveside service at the Palo Pinto cemetery on Tuesday, January 13 at 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Palo Pinto at 1:00 p.m. on January 24, 2004. All friends and family are invited to join the family in celebrating Madge's life at this service.In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to make donations in Madge's memory to either the American Diabetes Association (call 1-800-342-2383) or Gideons International (Call the Mineral Wells chapter at 940-325-2223 for more information.)