Mildred A. Balch

Mildred A. Balch, 103, formerly of Barnes, Kansas, died October 11, 2011 at the Linn Community Nursing Home, Linn. A funeral service was held 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 14, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Barnes. Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiated. Judy Springer played “In the Garden” and “He’ll Understand and Say “Well Done”, while the congregation sang. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Barnes. Pallbearers were Jon Balch, Bryan Balch, Elliott Balch, Kelvin Balch, Chris Hansen, Justin Balch, Chuck Balch, James Balch and David Boatright. Honorary pallbearers were Susan Balch, Kay Balch, Signe Balch, Elissa Balch, Tara Kippes, Amy Bott, Marcia Imbeau, Lana Boatright, Neva Boatright and Cathy Albert. Mildred was born July 22, 1908, north of Barnes, to George and Ina (Bartley) Bettles. Mildred attended Graham School, graduated from Barnes High School and received her teaching certificate from Bluemont College, Manhattan. She taught two years at South Dane School, east of Greenleaf, before becoming a fulltime homemaker. On May 4, 1929 she married Glen W. Balch. They spent 67 years together, farming northwest of Barnes until he preceded her in death on December 13, 1996. Also preceding her in death, were her parents; brothers, Noel Bettles, George Bettles; son Larry Balch; daughters, Alice Balch in infancy, Virginia Huddleston; and grandson, Jeff Balch. Mildred is survived by five sons, Gene (Phyllis) Balch of Brownsville, TX, Don (Inge) Balch of Baldwin City, Daryl (Julie) Balch of Fresno, CA, Dan (Pam) Balch of Auburn, Phil (Jolene) Balch of Topeka; a daughter, Eileen (Paul) Hansen of Greenleaf; a daughter-in-law, Eve Balch of Greenleaf; nineteen grandchildren and twenty four great grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established to the United Methodist Church of Barnes. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mildred A. Balch, please visit our flower store.