Doris I. Balfanz

Doris I. Balfanz, 94, who resided in Forest Park, Il for 76 years passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold M. Balfanz with whom she shared 52 years of marriage; grandson, Michael J. Bates and great-grandson Joshua J. Jurkovic.

Born in Lawton, Oklahoma she was the daughter of Lydia E. and Obbie L. Sanders. Where she worked on their dairy farm. However, the job she loved the most was being a wife, mother and grandmother.

She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 974 for over 50 years and spent countless hours volunteering her time to sew bandages, hospital gowns, infant clothes, and bed sheets for the White Cross work sent to the Cameroons in Central Africa organized by The Forest Park Baptist Church where she was a member. She was an expert seamstress who also loved to knit and crochet.

She is survived by her sister Ruby (Carl) Bigbee of Edmond, OK and brother Lt. Col. Marvin (Shirley) Sanders of Aurora, CO. Children Nancy (LaMar) Violet, Ellen (Dennis) Bates and Debra (August) Scolaro. Grandchildren: Suzanne (Ed) Jobin, Leigh (Eric) Ligas-Bardwell, Sherrill (Mark) Worcester, Christi (Matt) Jacobs, Cari (Jim) Jurkovic, Anthony (Alyson) Scolaro, Andrew Scolaro, and Carin Scolaro. Great-Grandchildren: Ryan (Rachael) Pescitani, Paige Boyke, Carissa Pescitani, Ian Ligas, Ashlyn Worcester, Nicholas Worcester, Courtney Worcester, Harley Worcester, Christopher Worcester, Allison Bates, Madison Jacobs, Lauren Bates, Meagan Jacobs, Abigail Jurkovic, Jacob Jurkovic, A.J. Scolaro and Luca Scolaro. Great Great Grandchildren: Jordan Fine, Derrick Roggenkamp, Jace Bedford, Ryker Pescitani, and Avery Macedo.

The visitation will be held from 4-9pm Sunday August 15, at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home at 17W201 Roosevelt Rd., OakBrook Terrace, IL 60181. The funeral services will be held on Monday, August 16, at 11am at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home at 17W201 Roosevelt Rd., OakBrook Terrace, IL 60181.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelHillGardensWest.com for the BALFANZ family.