SALEM - Our dear mother was born April 4th, 1918 to Earl and Estella Lott in Ree Heights, South Dakota at the family farm. She was raised on that farm along with six brothers and sisters. The family moved to Huron, South Dakota and then to Salem, Oregon.
Mom relocated to San Diego to work but soon found herself back in Salem working at Nopp’s Golden Pheasant. It was there that she met Larry Balch, fell in love and became his wife. Together they raised two daughters. Mom and dad loved to play bridge, golf and travel the world. After his passing in 1975, Mom continued these activities with her many lady friends. She was a “charter” member of Illahe Hills Country Club, playing bridge every Tuesday morning and playing 18 holes of golf every week until the age of 84. In 1973 she was blessed with her first grandchild and five more followed. These grandchildren gave her the name of “Mom-Mom”, she believed she was much too young to be called Grandma! In 2003 the first of four great grandchildren arrived. She loved all of her family and was so happy to have family gatherings and go places with us.
Mom passed away peacefully September 12th in the home she had lived in for 58 years.
Surviving her are two loving daughters, Dixie Balch Powers of West Linn and Johnnye Balch (Greg) Roach of Salem; six grandchildren, Bretton (Carrie) Roach, Sidney (Bruno) Kleiber, Shelby Roach, Ashley Roach, Brittany Powers and Clayton Powers. Also surviving are her four great grandchildren, Elise, Fiona and Noah Kleiber and Isabelle Faun Roach and her nieces and nephews.
The family is thankful for the amazing caregivers that helped grant Faun’s wish of staying in her own home. Much appreciation to Terie, Sandy, Janet, Cindi and Laura, as well as Willamette Valley Hospice.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 24th between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00 pm at 690 Ben Vista Dr. S. for family and friends.
“Mom, we will love you forever and for always.”
Private Entombment has been held in Mt Crest Abby Mausoleum.
Contributions may be made to Willamette Humane Society in lieu of flowers. Arrangements were by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service