Katie Ann Balsley

Katie Ann (Harper) Balsley, 88, formerly of Danville, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2019 at Lindan Park Nursing Facility in Richardson, TX.

Katie was born in Danville on October 22, 1930 to Raymond J. and Nelle B. (Wurtsbaugh) Harper.

On November 6, 1951, Katie married Ronald D. Balsley in Danville. Their love for each other endured for 61 years before Ron's passing in 2012.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Helen (Harper) Klayer, and two brothers, Douglas and Herbert Harper.

She is survived by: five children, Kevin D. Balsley and wife, Lauren of Richardson, TX, Gregory K. Balsley and wife, Sara, of Missouri City, TX, Susan D. Daniels and husband, David, of Atlanta, GA, Julie K. Gehring and husband, George 'Mic' of Dallas, TX, and Philip H. Balsley and wife, Gisela of Fort Worth, TX. She is also survived by: five grandsons, four granddaughters, five great-granddaughters, three great-grandsons, and several nieces and nephews.

Katie enjoyed spending long golfing getaways at Kentucky Dam Lake with her husband, Ron. 'Gamma' especially loved and enjoyed sharing special visits with her grand and great-grandchildren where cookies and dessert treats were always readily available. While raising five children, Katie began working in the healthcare industry as a bookkeeper, and quickly earned the role of Office Administrator. She held this position for over 40 years with several doctors until her retirement at the age of 77.

Katie also volunteered her time serving the community as a Captain of the United Way Drive, serving two terms as President of the Danville Women's Club, and active for several years with the Cannon Elementary School PTA.

The family is extremely grateful for the kindness and care given by the staff and doctors at the Lindan Park Facility of Richardson, TX.

Per Katie's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded at the Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, IL. A memorial service for her will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Katie's honor may be made to CRIS Healthy-Aging Center of Vermilion County or the Senior Source of Greater Dallas.