Patricia Ruth “Pat” Belaney, born in East Liverpool in1929, passed away at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at Rockynol Retirement Community in Akron, where she had resided in recent years. Pat, who was 86, was an East Liverpool native but had moved from the area just after graduating from East Liverpool High School in 1947.

A daughter of the late J. William and Louise Belaney, Pat grew up in a home filled with music.

She received a Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a Masters from Case Western. Early in her career, she taught music at East Palestine, Mentor and Mayfield school districts, and later became an elementary school principal for Copley and Fairlawn City schools. She remained a proud alumnus and financial supporter of her alma mater, East Liverpool High School.

An active member of Montrose Zion United Methodist Church in Bath, OH, Pat developed the bell choir program there, and also directed the bell choirs at Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina and at Faith Lutheran Church in Akron. Pat completed a fellowship of United Methodists in Music and the Worship Arts, and was a past member of the American Guild of organists, and was a longtime church organist and pianist.

She served on church boards on the local, district and conference levels, and loved traveling within the U.S. and abroad. An active member of the Pilot Club and the Women's City Club in Akron, Pat was a regular at the Blossom Music Festival. She enjoyed the company of her Friends Friday Night Dinner Group.

Her brother, William L. Belaney, survives in Naples, FL with his wife, Marge. Also surviving are a special niece and nephew: Susan Belaney of Madison Heights, MI, and Curtis Belaney of Rochester Hills, MI.

A celebration to remember Pat’s life will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery.

In Pat’s memory, monetary gifts may be sent to One of A Kind Pet Rescue, 1929 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44313.

The Dawson Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.