Ila Jean Balthazor
1931 - 2020
Illa J. Balthazor, age 88, of Hays, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas.
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; a 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 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service and Rosary starting 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. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com
