Katherine L Balch

Katherine Louise Balch was born on October 7, 1927 in Bellevue TX to Walter and Della Graham (Parrish). She passed away peacefully on July 3, 2022 with some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren singing to her.

Katherine married the love of her life, Olan L. Balch, on April 3, 1946 in San Antonio, TX and they were happily married for 32 years until his passing in 1978. Others preceded in death were her sisters, Elsie Thomas, Marie Ivey, and Lorene Smithson. One brother, James Graham, grandson Chuck Mitcham, and a great grandson, Hunter Mitcham.

Surviving relatives include her children, Gary Balch and wife Nancy of Wichita Falls; Vickie and Rod Nason of Wichita Falls; and a sister, Lucille Jameson of Iowa Park, TX. Grandchildren include Julie Kleinert and husband Tim of Henrietta, TX; Debra Nerius and husband Tim of Highland Village,TX; Kristen Mitcham of Moore, OK; and Brady Balch and wife Kelcy of Benbrook, TX. Great grandchildren include Parker Kleinert and wife Mattie, Evanne Kleinert, Arden Nerius, Addison Nerius, and Hayden Nerius, Brenlynn Balch and Blakely Balch. Also, great great grandson, Atticus Kleinert and one more due in August.

Katherine was a member of Highland Heights Christian Church for over 51 years and served as diaconate on church board. She was a charter member of Democratic Women of Wichita County serving as president and was awarded a life membership. Katherine also served as PTA President for city and awarded a lifetime membership of PTA, past area coordinator and leader of Camp Fire in Wichita County, President of Roadrunner Square Dance Club, member of Elks Club, and served as Democratic Precinct Chairman. Katherine was appointed by Governor Preston Smith to serve on the Governor’s Commission for status of Texas women, Regional Finalist in the Mrs. Texas Contest and worked for the Wichita County Tax Office and for United States Congressman, Graham Purcell. She loved to dance, be it country, ballroom or square dance. She loved to laugh and was a good conservationist who always enjoyed activities with her family.

The Balch family would like to thank all of the caregivers at Brookdale at Sikes Lake and Hospice Plus. If desired, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or your choice of charity.

Funeral services will be at Hampton Vaughan Chapel at 1917 Archer City Hwy in Wichita Falls, TX on Monday, July 11th at 10:00 A.M. Visitation will be held in the reception room at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home following the graveside service at Crestview Memorial Park.