Bobbie Ann Balke

Bobbie Ann Balke, 90, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024, at E.W. Thompson Health and Rehab in Sedalia. She was born on December 24, 1933, in Boonville, MO, the daughter of Ray Cooper and Eunice (Walters) Cooper, who preceded her in death.

On February 13, 1952, she was united in marriage to Robert Wittman and was blessed with four children. Robert preceded her in death. On August 29, 1975, in Sedalia, MO, she was united in marriage to Merlin Herbert William Balke and was blessed with four more children. Merlin preceded her in death on January 21, 2023.

Bobbie was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church for 55 years, serving as a Sunday school teacher, children's church leader, puppet ministry founder, and vacation bible school director for many years. Additionally, she was a scout leader for boys and girls. She also volunteered for Citizens Against Spousal Abuse for many years.

Bobbie worked as a bookkeeper for Pittsburgh Corning and a manager for Olsen West and Saddlewood, where she coordinated many social activities and was described as a 'people person.'

Bobbie blessed her family with epic Easter treat hunts and celebrations for all major holidays. Her love for children was evident in many ways and never lessened, even in the end when she cherished visits from daycare children at E. W. Thompson.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Bobbie was preceded by a son, Steve Wittman; and brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Karen Cooper.

She is survived by a son, Brent Wittman; daughters, Julie (Mark) Nauser and LeAnn Wittman; stepchildren, Danny Balke, Jerry (MeLisa), Kathy (Steve) Heineman, and Scott (Agnes) Balke; grandchildren, Aaron Balke, Tara Hubbard, Austin Wittman, Andrew Heineman, Mindy Fox, Chelsea Weyrauch, Ayla Dillon, Zoë Weber, and Daniel and Nathaniel Balke; seven great-grandchildren, Gage, Zane, Etta, Ellee, Jude, Jubilee, and Aysa; and her best friend, Virginia Robinson.

Bobbie's spirit of generosity and fun-loving approach to all things will be missed by many.

The family wishes to thank E. W. Thompson Health and Rehab Center for their compassionate care for the last four years.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church, Sedalia, with Pastor Jonathan Wallenbeck officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Entombment will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Memorial contributions may be made to E.W. Thompson Health and Rehab or Calvary Baptist Church in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.