1924 – 2003

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Rita Belden, 79, of Mont Vernon, N.H., died Monday, Dec. 1.

She was born in Rumford, on Nov. 6, 1924, the daughter of Ralph and Rachel Knight and graduated from Stephens High School.

She was married to the late Russell Belden.

Survivors include three daughters, Theresa Urich of Little Falls, N.Y., Janet Houlihan of Schenectady, N.Y., and Maria Kass of Denver, Colo; five sons, Russell Belden of Woodstock, Conn., Timothy Belden of Milford, N.H., Christopher Belden of New Boston, N.H., James Belden of Hillsborough, N.H., and Michael Belden of Mont Vernon N.H.; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Arthur Knight of Rumford and Dennis Knight of Schenectady, N.Y.

She was predeceased by a sister, Evelyn Arsenault.