Elinor A. Fleischmann

Elinor A. Fleischmann, age 97, passed away peacefully at her home in Belle on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Elinor was born August 11, 1928, an only child to the late Walter and Nora Skaggs. Her childhood was alternately spent on a farm near High Gate, Missouri and in Lansing, Michigan 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.

Elinor was actively involved in various groups and volunteer organizations. She served on the Belle Fair Board, The Belle Homebuilders Club, a 50+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and dedicated long-time member of the Belle Community Church.

Elinor is survived by her daughter, Patricia Rae Botkin and her husband Mark, of Rochester Hills, Michigan; one son, Peter John Fleischmann of Jefferson City, Missouri; two grandchildren, Benjamin Botkin and his wife, Jessica and Hannah Thieneman and her husband Dalton; three great-grandchildren, Oliver Botkin, Violet Botkin and Isla Thieneman.

A special tribute to her extended family members and earthly angels, Gerry and Stacy Tellman who provided love and support during her final years.

Visitation for Elinor will be Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the Belle Community Church from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 AM

Funeral services will follow at 11:00 A.M. with a private interment 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! Expressions of sympathy may be made the Belle Community Church or a No-Kill Animal Shelter of your choice.