Carlene Arleta Neely

Carlene Arleta Neely passed away on June 3, 2024, at Colorow Care Center in Olathe, Colorado, with her son Chad at her side. She was 64 years old.

A viewing will be held at the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn in Grand Junction on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 09:00 AM. The funeral will follow beginning at 10:00 AM, with a graveside service afterward at Pea Green Cemetery. After the graveside service, a potluck dinner will be held at the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn in Delta, Colorado, for any who wish to attend.

Carlene was born on March 26, 1960, in Delta, Colorado, to Thelma (Morris) Bellew and Leallan Bellew.   She grew up in Oklahoma and Western Colorado and graduated from R-5 High School in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Carlene was baptized into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn on July 6, 1975.

Carlene's love story began on the Grand Mesa on September 18th, 1976, when she married Denny Neely. Together, they celebrated 45 years of love and commitment, and their union bestowed upon them the joy of two children.

Carlene's heart was as big as her smile. For 39 years, she called the Grand Junction area home, dedicating her time to caring for her family and educating her children. Her life was a testament to her priorities: God, family, and helping those in need. Her kind words and bright smile will forever be etched in the memories of all who knew her.

Carlene is survived by her children, Chad Neely of Portland, Oregon, and Shayla Simpson of Muncie, Indiana; three grandchildren, Megan, Jackson, and Ronan; siblings, Linda (Gary) McGehee, Henry (Teresa) Bellew, Gary Bellew, and Sonja (Melvin) Boedecker; her father-in-law, Forrest Neely; brothers-in-law Kyle (Vicki) Neely and Scot (Michelle) Neely; and her many nieces and nephews that she loved so much.

Carlene is preceded in death by her parents, Leallan and Thelma Bellew; stepfather, James Carey; mother-in-law, Mary Lou Neely; sister and brother-in-law, Vickie and Larry Pfister; brother-in-law, Alva Gregory; nephews, Matthew and Seth Bellew; niece, Marsha McGehee; and beloved grandparents, aunts, and uncles, both through birth and marriage.