Remembering Those Who
Have Gone Before Us

Remembering Those Who Have Gone Before Us

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Fern Etta Balch

07/20/1933 - 04/07/2020

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Obituary For Fern Etta Balch

Fern Etta Balch, 86, of Sedalia, MO passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at her home. She was born on July 20, 1933 in Sedalia, the daughter of Charley and Effie (Swearingin) Thomas, who preceded her in death.

On December 31, 1955 in Jefferson City, MO she was united in marriage to Charles Balch, who survives of the home.

Fern loved flowers, gardening, and cooking for her family, collecting redbirds, and NASCAR. She especially loved spending time with family.

Besides her husband of sixty-four years, survivors include two sons, Mark Balch Sr. (Peggy) and Steve Balch (Becky); three daughters, Kathy McMullin (Peter), Janet Disney (Randy), and Nancy Welch (Tim); ten grandchildren, Chris Galloway, Jennifer Fox, Kristiana Cook, Mark Balch Jr., Brandon Balch, Lucas McMullin, Kari Crawford, Ryan Welch, Heather Galloway, and Steven Balch; and seven great grandchildren, Shelby Galloway, FaithAnne Welch, Fernetta Crawford, Hazel Balch, Mackenzie Welch, Bentley McMullin, and Kiley Galloway. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Elaine Galloway; a brother, Winford Thomas; three sisters, Velma Leo, Lucille Porter, and Lavern Thomas; and a son-in-law, Wiley Galloway.

Graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2020 at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia, MO with Rev. Dan Hankins officiating.

Pallbearers will be Chris Galloway, Mark Balch Jr., Brandon Balch, Lucas McMullin, Ryan Welch, and Steven Balch.

Honorary bearers will be Jennifer Fox, Kristiana Cook, Kari Crawford, and Heather Galloway.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Shriner's Children's Hospital or Boys Town in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

Services

13 Apr

Graveside

02:30 PM

Crown Hill Cemetery 701 N. Engineer Sedalia, MO 65301 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 04/12/2020

    I remember when my grandparents were neighbors to Fern Etta and her husband Dub. When my sister and I were younger we would always stop by their house while trick or treating because they always had a special bag for us. She was such a sweet and considerate woman. My heart goes out to Dub and the family.

  • 04/10/2020

    So sorry for your loss. You two were a great pair with such a nice family.

  • 04/10/2020

    I have known Kathy since the eighth grade. Her Mom & Dad were always so kind and welcoming whenever I would come to their home. I know your Mom's passing will leave a huge hole in your family and your hearts. Your Mom was such a sweet, kind lady. Thinking of you all at this time. Nadene Colbert

  • 04/09/2020

    Dave and I want to extend our sincere sympathy to your family for your loss. You kids grew up next to us, babysat for us , played with our kids and your folks both helped us in so many ways . Our thoughts are with you.

  • 04/09/2020

    Our sincere condolences to the family.

  • 04/09/2020

    Dub and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

  • 04/08/2020

    Sorry for your loss prayers for family

  • 04/08/2020

    Fern Etta was a teenager, and I was a 5 year old when she and her sister, LaVerne, were children workers at East Sedalia Baptist Church, the church where I grew up. I fondly remember how sweet and gentle the Thomas sisters were with we children. My sincere sympathy to the family during this difficult time. May God bless and keep each of you.

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