Alta Ann "Ginger" Bellam, 82, of Columbia City, died peacefully at her home at 8:50 a.m. Friday, February 7, 2025.

Born July 3, 1942, in Butler, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Viola (Hose) Houser. She grew up in Butler, and graduated from Butler High School.

On June 5, 1964, she married William Fredrick Bellam.  They made their first home in Fort Wayne, moving to Columbia City in 1981 where she owned and operated H&B Bookstore for over 25 years. William died December 4, 2021.

Ginger's passion for Jesus came first and foremost in her life. She shared her faith with everyone she met and was a member of First Church of God. In her free time, she enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and watching her grandsons-in-law coach basketball.  She loved reading and writing poetry along with reading early American series and collections.

Family and friends were her pride and joy. Acts of service were her love language; she especially enjoyed making handmade gifts for loved ones and carrying on special family traditions throughout the years. Family reunions and baking with her grandchildren were especially fun for her. She also enjoyed writing to her sponsor children through Compassion International and in her younger years loved vacationing. Everyone who knew Ginger, loved her.

Surviving is her son, John (Linda) Bellam of Columbia City; granddaughters, Brittany R. (Pat) Davis, Bridget R. (Scott) Moore and Stacie N. (Kyle) Fillman; great-grandson, Moses John "Moss" Fillman; great-granddaughter, Willow June "Willie" Fillman and great-grandsons, Charlie "Charleston" William Moore and Hayes David Moore; brothers,  Nathan (Aleta) Houser of Indianapolis, Richard (Joyce) Houser of Fort Wayne; sister, Rowena Murphy of Columbia City and brother,  Kent (Judy) Houser of Columbia City; brother in law Richard (Gina) Bellam and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Boydell (Kethel) Houser, brothers in law, William Miner and Mike Murphy, and sister-in-law Linda (Victor) Arven.

The funeral service is 3 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Park Cemetery. Visitation is 12 Noon until the service Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials are to Compassion International.