Lorraine (Jackson) Balka

March 9, 1915 - Nov. 15, 2005

PLYMOUTH Lorraine (Jackson) Balka, 90, a longtime resident of 1199 N. Michigan Road, died of natural causes at 1 1 :50 p.m. Tuesday, November 15, 2005, in the Miller's Merry Manor, Plymouth. Born in Morocco, Indiana, on March 9, 1915, she was the daughter of Miles I. and Fannie E. (Don) Jackson. Lorraine received her education in South Bend, graduating with the Central High School class of 1933.

On September 30, 1939, in South Bend, she became the bride of Alex K. Balka. Together, in 1 947, they moved to Plymouth and opened the Electrik Maid Bakery, which they operated until 1963. Lorraine then returned to work at Auto-Owners Insurance Company in South Bend, where she had been employed earlier. She retired with over 40 years at the company. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Plymouth, and the Zeta Zeta Chapter of Delta Theta Tau Sorority, where she had been a member for over 60 years in South Bend and Plymouth. She also served as a past national officer.

As a 50-year member of the Plymouth Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, she served as Worthy Matron on multiple occasions. Lorraine also had served as president for the Women of the Elks, South Bend, and as chair of several American Cancer Society fund drives for Marshall County. Always active, she enjoyed being involved with the South Bend Shoe and Slipper Dance Club for many years.

Survivors include her son, Dr. Don S. and wife, Sharon Balka of LaPaz; a grandson, Lt. Cdr. Stephen Dale Balka (USN), and his recent bride, Lt. Dr. Amy Balka (USN) of the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida; and granddaughter, Paige Lynn Balka of Indianapolis. A brother-in-law, Stanley Magan of Hartford, Kentucky, also survives, with several nieces and nephews.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alex, who died May 29, 1983; two sisters, Winona Jackson and Juanita Magan; and a brother, Don Jackson. Friends are invited to join the family on Friday, November 18, 2005, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.

On Saturday, November 19, 2005, an Eastern Star Service will begin at 10 a.m. in the funeral home, immediately followed by funeral services under the direction of Rev. Dr. Dean Fager, pastor of the First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery, South Bend.

Gifts in Lorraine's name may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Plymouth, or to the Marshall County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 71 6, Plymouth IN 46563. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family via: www.johnson-danielson.com

Source: Newspapers.com

10/26/2024 EJS