Rudolph Valentino Balma

Rudy V. Balma passed away on August 14th 2021 at his home at the age of 92. His devoted wife, Margaret, daughter, Batina, and grandchildren were by his side.

He was born in Redding CA at St. Carolines Hospital in 1929, now, Mercy Medical Center.

The youngest child of Charles and Battistina Balma. As Shasta Lake was filling up with water in 1944 from construction of Shasta Dam, Rudy and his family relocated from Kennett, CA to Redding providing him with the opportunity to find lodging from and eventually work for Mac McDonald, former owner of McDonald's Chapel.

He graduated from Shasta High School in 1946 and in 1948 attended the San Francisco College of Mortuary Sciences. Upon return to Redding, he met the love of his life, Margaret Braathen and they were married in Reno, NV on August 20th 1950.

Soon, he left for the Korean War and was stationed in Japan and South Korea. Upon return to Redding, Rudy was offered a chance by Mr McDonald to own and operate McDonalds Chapel. Thus began Rudy's involvement with the Redding community that he loved. The business grew to include Redding Cemetery, Lawncrest Funeral Home and Cemetery, McDonald's in Burney and Anderson.

Rudy and Margaret were very invested in making a difference in the lives of citizens of Redding. Throughout his long career, he belonged to:

-20/30 Club of Redding as a young businessman

-The Elks Club and was longest living passed exalted ruler

-Rotary, formally the longest living member "Mr. Rotary"

-Founding Member and Chairman of the Board of North Valley Bank (now Tri-Counties)

-Shasta High School District Board of Trustees Member

-Mercy Medical Center, previous Chairman of the Board and longtime supporter of the works of the Sisters of Mercy

-Mercy Foundation North

-Shasta Senior Nutrition and Golden Umbrella

-California Board of Funeral Directors

-Founding member of Asphalt Cowboys

-Chairman of the Board of Northern California AAA

-Donated over 148 pints of blood

Most of all, he loved spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, packing horses and mules in the Trinity Alps with his Brother, John, and son with the club of men called the "Hitch and B*tch Club".

Rudy and Margaret traveled to 24 countries and Italy several times to visit the hometown that his parents immigrated from and family members still reside.

Rudy retired in 1986 and leaves behind his wife, Margaret, daughter, Batina, grandchildren, Maggie and Max Balma, Jennifer Harrison (spouse Will) and Wayne Balma (partner Heather). Rudy also has two great grand-daughters Hadley and Hannah Harrison and one great grandson, Cayson Balma. His late son, Brian C Balma passed away in 2015.

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