Elizabeth Jo Belkonen, 63, of Rogers, Arkansas, died at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas, on March 26, 2018. Beth’s death resulted from glioblastoma (brain cancer) which was diagnosed two years ago. She was born in November of 1954 to Andrew and Gladys (Salmonson) Belkonen. The youngest of five children, she grew up on the family farm in South Dakota.
Beth’s life was filled with education, travel, fulfilling work and making loyal friends. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and her MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Her career in global market research brought her to large international companies including Procter and Gamble, American Express, Terex and PepsiCo. During the 1990’s she worked for AmEx in Tokyo, Hong Kong and London. In more recent years she enjoyed living in Connecticutt and New York. Beth was married to Paul Jacob for 10 years.
Beth was actively involved in political campaigns for Democrats in several states and worked with the Sotuh Dakota Legislature and in Senate offices in Washington, DC. She strongly supported women’s issues.
Travel worldwide became a passion for Beth. She traveled to all continents and to 140 countries plus all 50 states. In 1996 she helped organize a family trip to Scandinavia. She welcomed year 2000 in Antarctica where the sun first rose on the new millennium.
She had a great curiosity and appreciation of different cultures. Even in her final months, Beth was able to revisit nearly half of the United States. She is well known for the many postcards she sent and for her newsy holiday messages. She had a great interest in film, theater, gourmet food and fashion.
Survivors include her siblings: Judy (Glenn) Arneson of Hayti, South Dakota, Carolyn (Charles) Childs of Rogers, Arkansas, Annette Belkonen of Rogers, Arkansas and Jim (Vicki) Belkonen of China Grove, North Carolina; cherished nieces and nephews, their families, and friends worldwide.
At Beth’s request there will be no service. Arrangements are in the care of Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers, Arkansas.
Memorials may be sent to National Public Radio (NPR) or charity of your choice.
Elizabeth Jo Belkonen, 63, of Rogers, Arkansas, died at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas, on March 26, 2018. Beth’s death resulted from glioblastoma (brain cancer) which was diagnosed two years ago.