Helen D. Balsley

Helen D. Balsley was born to William and Mary Kitchell, who lived on a farm three and one-half miles due east of Morrisonville, Illinois. She was the youngest of the nine Kitchell children. She attended Moneghan School a quarter of a mile east of her home, graduated from Hillsboro High School, and attended the University of Illinois. She taught school several years, then left teaching to keep house for her father when her sister Florence married.

She married William Philip Balsley, also of Morrisonville, on December 28, 1926. Helen and Phil lived in Morrisonville for the first part of their married life. Phil was a businessman, operating the Balsley Appliance store in the 1930’s, then the W. P. Balsley Implement Company a John Deere franchise. They had five children, Patricia Birsner, Lorraine Bales, Stanley, Leland and Ronald Balsley, all still surviving. Helen is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Helen was a life long member of the Methodist Church. While the family lived in Morrisonville, Helen taught Sunday School, was a member of the ladies Aid Society, served as church organist and sometimes directed the choir, and was the Chairperson several times for the annual Thanksgiving turkey dinner. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, and was a Worthy Matron and a Past Matron.

She and Phil moved to McAllen, Texas, in 1952, where they joined St. Mark United Methodist Church as Charter Members. Helen taught Sunday School and was a member of the United Methodist Women’s organization.

Helen and Phil had an active social life, and had many friends in both communities. After Phil died in 1974, Helen remained in their home in McAllen until 1980. At that time, she purchased an apartment in John Knox Village in Weslaco, Texas, and lived there until her death. Her ashes will be interred in the Balsley family vault in the Morrisonville Community Cemetery.

She was much loved by her family, and will be sorely missed.