Elmira I. Balzer

Elmira Irene “Elly” (Branson) Balzer, 90, went home on April 8, 2014, after a three year stay in McPherson Care Center. She was born to Dorothy Russell on August 24, 1923, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Elmira lived most of her life in McPherson, Kansas. Elmira married and had four children with Harold Dow Carter. On October 11, 1968, she was united in marriage to Edison H. “Eddie” Balzer. He preceded her in death on April 23, 2006. They enjoyed camping and fishing most every weekend during the summer months, until they could no longer manage the trips.

Elmira was a very hard worker and was always willing to be of service to others, even up until her last days. Over the years, she worked at Baker’s Café, Grandma’s Apron, Swick-Guth, and various other places. Her longest and most satisfying job was caring for others at The Cedar’s Health Care Center, both in the old and new facilities. In the McPherson Care Center, Elmira was often heard praying for the sick and visiting them in their rooms.

Elmira leaves behind four children, Linda Kissick (Carl) of Marquette, KS, Harold Dow Carter of Hillsboro, KS, Tony “Riley” Carter of Salina, KS, and Dianna Carter of McPherson, KS; step-children, Curtis Balzer of McPherson, KS, Connie Humes of Topeka, KS, and Janice Balzer of Tucson, AZ; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 20 great-great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, April 14, 2014, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Rachael Pryor officiating. Inurnment will be at the French Creek Cemetery near Hillsboro, at a later date. Family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, April 13, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be given to Harden Hospice or McPherson County Humane Society in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Elmira I. Balzer please visit our Sympathy Store.