Elizabeth (Betty) Katherine Balke, age 97, passed away peacefully on Oct. 8, 2022, at Danbury Senior Living in Wooster, Ohio. Betty was born on April 11, 1925, in Harrison, Wisconsin, daughter of the late William and Ann Behling. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dennis.
Following her graduation from high school in Marion, Wisconsin in 1943, Betty graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and taught commercial business courses at various high schools. Betty also taught for many years as a substitute teacher for the School District of the City of Erie, Pennsylvania and as an instructor of English as a second language (ESL) to new citizens at the English Learning Center in Erie.
Betty is survived by Roy L. Balke, her loving husband of 73 years, children: Robert (Margaret) Balke of Atlanta, Georgia; William (Denise) Balke of Grosse Pointe, Michigan; Barbara (Bennett) Kalie of Wooster, Ohio; and Karen (Richard) Stein of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren: Sarah (Rob) Holden, Andrew (Lindsey) Balke, Michele (Brad) Eickhorst, Michael (Katelyn) Balke, Lindsey (Vladimir) Godosev, Blake (Katie) Kalie, Tara (Chaz) Bondarenka, and Chelsea Stein, as well as eight great-grandchildren and one more expected this coming spring: Landon, Sydney, Daisy, Samuel, Zora, Cash, Emilia and Josie. Betty is also survived by her brother William (Lee) Behling of Menasha, Wisconsin.
Private funeral services will be conducted with family attending in Wooster, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691 or on the web at ohioshospiceLifeCare.org
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, OH is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691 or on the web at ohioshospiceLifeCare.org
Private funeral services will be conducted with family attending in Wooster, Ohio.
Praying for all you during this difficult time. I feel so blessed that I got to take care of Betty the last year of her life. And for getting to know her wonderful family! Betty will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart! Thanks for all the laughs Betty!! You will be forever missed! ❤️
Condolences to the family
The Schaaf families are so sorry to hear of her passing! Thoughts and prayers to your families!
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Mrs. Balke. We will keep the extended Balke Family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May she rest in peace!
Tom and Ruth Dombrowski
Matt and Peggy Dombrowski
Dear Balke family, I was one of the old neighbors on 45th and Washington and have great memories of your family. I remember coming down to your house and shooting baskets with the boys in your driveway and going to Saint George’s with Barbara. I spent my whole adult life and Erie is a veterinarian and just wanted to tell you all how blessed you are to have your mother and father in your lives through adulthood. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Jerry Campbell and brothers, Mike and Mark.
Dear Roy and family. I am so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. My parents Clayton and Virginia Baker were blessed with your friendship for many years. Wonderful GE memories. I send you hugs. God bless you Roy.
Love
Laurel Baker Sanders