Elinor A. Fleischmann, 97, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at her home in Belle.
She was born Aug. 11, 1928, an only child to the late Walter and Nora Skaggs.
Her childhood was alternately spent on a farm near High Gate and in Lansing, Mich. where her father was employed.
During her high school years, the family returned home to Belle where she graduated.
Her parents founded and operated Skaggs Mercantile for decades until ownership was transferred to Elinor and her husband Walter (deceased) and continued until her retirement.
When she wasn’t working at the store, Elinor enjoyed designing and sewing stylish clothes, creating craft projects for home and church, gardening, doing word search puzzles, watching hummingbirds from her back porch and caring for stray animals. She dearly loved and missed her last rescue dog, Max and was caring for two stray cats at the time of her death.
Elinor thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her best friend and companion, Dr. John Tellman, traveling, dining out, shopping and just driving around Peavine Valley Farm, her family homestead.
She was actively involved in various groups and volunteer organizations such as the Belle Fair Board, the Belle Homebuilders Club, a 50-plus-year-member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and dedicated long-time member of the Belle Community Church.
Elinor was preceded in death by parents, Walter and Nora.
She is survived by daughter, Patricia Rae Botkin and husband Mark of Rochester Hills, Mich.; son, Peter John Fleischmann of Jefferson City; grandchildren, Benjamin Botkin and wife, Jessica and Hannah Thieneman and husband Dalton; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Violet Botkin and Isla Thieneman; and her extended family members and earthly angels, Gerry and Stacy Tellman who provided love and support during her final years.
Visitation will be held from 10 until 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan.3, followed by Funeral Services at the Belle Community Church. A private interment will be held in the Bland Union Cemetery.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of Elinor’s life and anyone who felt touched by her in some way. She was quite a lady!
Memorial contributions suggested to the Belle Community Church or a No-Kill animal shelter of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle.
