Oct. 8, 1930 - Mar. 17, 2015
Date of Service: Mar. 24, 2015
Dorothy Balch
DECLO – Dorothy Rae Lewis Balch, 84, after a long, but valiant battle with cancer, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, in Solana Beach, California, with her family by her side.
Dorothy was born October 8, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Wayne and Alice (Stark) Lewis. Soon after, the family moved to the Lewis farm at Declo, Idaho where Dorothy attended school, graduating as Salutatorian from Declo High School.
After graduation, Dorothy went to work at the local Burley, Idaho J.C. Penney store where she met her future husband of 64 years. Jack and Dorothy were united in marriage on May 2, 1949 and their adventurous life and J.C. Penney career began.
They first lived in Tremonton, Utah were Dorothy worked at the local jewelry store. From Tremonton, they moved to Brigham City, Utah, where Dorothy worked as a secretary for the local chamber of commerce. Next, they moved to Butte, Mont., and Dorothy became a secretary for Westinghouse Electric Supply. Jack was again transferred to Missoula, Mont., and it was here where their son Jeffrey was born. When Jeff was one, the family then moved to the eastern part of the state, to a very small town called Malta, where Jack was promoted to manager. Jack's successful career continued and within the next few years the family resided in various locations in Sandpoint, Moscow, and Lewiston, Idaho, and finally in Spokane, Wash., where he retired.
After retirement, Jack and Dorothy returned to Lewiston, Idaho where they purchased Betty's World of Travel until it was sold in 1990. They both thoroughly enjoyed all the benefits of their travel agency and throughout their life were able to visit over 45 countries and all 50 states. By this time, their son Jeff was living in San Diego, Calif., and Jack and Dorothy made frequent trips down to visit him. San Diego was a special place for them.
Both Jack and Dorothy loved any and all sporting events and could not be kept away from a San Diego Chargers or Padres game. They attended several World Series games, a MLB All-Star game, NCAA Final Four tournaments, and multiple Bowl games. Jack and Dorothy were very strong supporters of the local sports programs and could regularly be found at both the LCSC Women's Basketball or LCSC Men's Baseball games. They also were season ticket holders for the University of Idaho Football team. Even in failing health, Dorothy made sure she got to the Holiday Bowl last December and to a few college basketball games in January and February. Three weeks ago she had a wonderful time visiting Disneyland with her niece and family and even got to ride on "It's a Small World" one last time!
Dorothy spent the last 9 months living near Jeff, and daughter-in-law Susan, at a beautiful independent living facility in Solana Beach. Throughout her life, Dorothy was very active in Republican politics and served as President of the Idaho State Republican Women's Club. After her move, she continued to make special friends, go on fun outings, play bridge, and sew beautiful quilts.
She is survived by her son Jeff (Susan) Balch of San Diego, Calif; her sister Margaret (Lee) Jorgensen of Declo, Idaho; brother Dick (June) Lewis of Nampa, Idaho; and sister-in-law Veloy Lewis of Declo, Idaho. Dorothy also leaves behind many wonderful nieces and nephews and her many treasured and special friends from near and far. She is preceded in death by husband Jack Balch; parents Wayne and Alice Lewis; and brother Wayne Jr.
Jeff and Susan wish to thank Dr. James Fisher of Clarkston, Wash. for the excellent care he provided throughout the years and a huge thanks to La Vida Del Mar Retirement Community, Elizabeth Hospice, and Dr. Begovic and Dr. Kroener for their wonderful care and support during this difficult time. Many of you have been sharing your wonderful stories and memories of Dorothy, and we would love for you to continue to share these with us. Please feel free to send us your memories via email to Susanlyng@aol.com or by mail to Jeff and Susan Balch: 10761 Cherry Hill Dr. San Diego, CA 92130
In lieu of flowers, any donations in memory of Dorothy may be made to the Lewis Clark State College Women's Basketball Program, 500 8th Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501-2698 or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, where you can donate online at www.bcrfcure.org or 60 E. 56th St. 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Declo LDS Stake Center, 213 W. Main St., in Declo, with Bishop Russell Bair officiating. Burial will be in the Declo cemetery.
Friends may call from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, preceding the services at the church.
