Illa Jean Balthazor passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the Trego
County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas, at the age of 88.
Illa was born on October 10, 1931 in Gridley, Kansas to Clarence and
Hazel (Povenmire) Cokeley. She was raised in Palco, Kansas where she
attended high school and graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of
1949. Shortly after graduating, she was united in marriage to Jerome
Balthazor at the St. Joseph Church in Damar, Kansas. They were blessed
with 4 children: Gloria, Ronald, Donald, and Marty.
Illa worked all her life; her early years at the Cafés in Palco, and
later as manager for the Norris Grain Elevator for 12 to 15 years. Her
last 15 years, she worked for Northwestern Pump and Supply. During her
children’s younger years she was a part of the Producer’s Club. When
Illa wasn’t working or raising her family, she loved to square dance
with Jerome, play cards and marbles, cook delicious meals, and bake
tasty treats. Illa was a member of the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in
Zurich, Kansas and a part of their altar society prior to moving to the
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville.
She is survived by her children, Gloria (Steve) Linville of Ponca
City, OK, Ronald (Ann) Balthazor of Lexington, NE, and Marty Balthazor
of Plainville; sister, JoAnn (Raymond) Phillips of WaKeeney; seven
grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Illa is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Hazel
Cokeley; husband, Jerome Balthazor; son, Donald Balthazor; brothers,
Clarence “Nut”, Glenn “Moon”, Ron, and Russell Cokeley; sisters,
Charlene Cokeley and Louise Hrabe; great-grandsons, T.J. Harry and
William Harry; and daughter-in-law, Jody Balthazor.
Illa was a woman of great character, strong values, and deep love
for family and friends. Although she will be greatly missed, her love
and influence will remain in the hearts and lives of her family and
friends. May her legacy inspire each of us to encourage one another,
cherish the ties that bind, take pride in our work ethic, and live to
serve the Lord in all ways
.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2020
at 10:00 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., at the
funeral home with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7:00 P.M. Memorials are
suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the Sacred Heart
Catholic School and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral
Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.