Winifred ( Winnie ) Lucile Balch

ASHTON – Winifred Lucile (Spratt) Balch, 83, of Ashton, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2015 surrounded by her children in her home. Winnie was born June 16, 1932, the daughter of Roy and Lucile (Wolf) Spratt. She graduated from Ashton High School in 1950. On Nov. 30, 1950, she married Archie Balch at the Chana United Methodist church. Winnie and Archie were lifelong members of Chana UMC and Winnie supported the church over the years helping with whatever was needed. Winnie was a member of Chana UMW holding many offices over the years, a member of the Mission Red Hat Society and attended the Mission UMC regularly during the winter months. Winnie and Archie farmed in the Mt. Morris and Ashton areas while raising their five children. Winnie worked at Del Monte where she retired after 26 years and made many lifelong friends. Upon retiring, Winnie and Archie enjoyed spending their winters in Texas. Winnie is survived by her five children, Dave (Marilyn) Balch of Ashton, Bernita (Jim) Jones of Ashton, Debbora (Randy) Bulthaus of Chana, Dianna (Jerry) Kristan of Clive, Iowa, and Tom (Lou Ann) Balch of Ashton; 12 grandchildren, Tina (Brian) Ketter, Brian (Tiffany O’Brien) Balch, Shannon (Sherrie) Jones, Anna (Curt) Hussung, Willie Bulthaus, Carla (Mark) Hill, Nick (Georgia) Kristan, Kari Kristan, Brett Balch, Ashley Balch, Stephanie (Justin) Munroe and Jenny Magnafici; and 19 great-grandchildren she thoroughly enjoyed spending time with, Alec, Allyse, Owen, Aramis, Cassidy, Tristan, Mason, Sage, Griffin, Paisley, Brooklynn, Jozlynn, Kaydin, Archie, James, Grace, Brian, Tim and Kyle; and three great-great grandchildren, Trinity, Riley and Rain. She is also survived by a sister, Cordelia “Dee Dee” (Jack) Heng of Oregon; brother, Bob (Joanne) Spratt of Oregon; sisters-in-law Louise Kurz of Lindenwood and Marie Balch of Kirkland and many wonderful friends that became her “Texas family.” She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Archie; her parents; and brothers-in-law Harold Kurz and Dale Balch. Visitation will be held Friday, June 19 at Ashton United Methodist Church Richardson Ave in Ashton from 4-7 p.m. and 1-2 p.m. Saturday prior to the service. The funeral will be at the Chana United Methodist Church, Chana, on Saturday, June 20 at 2 p.m. with burial to follow at the Ashton Cemetery. Memorials are established to Chana UMC and Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon.