Dorothy Martha Balluch (1931-2023)

Dorothy Martha Balluch passed away on Sunday Feb. 26, 2023, at home in Manhattan, Kan. She was 91 years old.

Dorothy was born on March 27, 1931, to John and Barbara (Graf) Spies in Quinter, Kan. Dorothy graduated from Quinter High School in 1949, and later graduated from the Salina Beauty Academy. Owner/operator of Dorothy’s Beauty Shop in Quinter, she was an important part of the community for many years. In 1973 she moved to Lincoln, Kan., and a few years later to Ellsworth, Kan., to follow her job manufacturing telephone wires with Essex Group. She lived over 40 years in Ellsworth, spending her final three months living with her son, Eddie, in Manhattan, Kan.
On Aug. 18, 1950, she was united in marriage to Eddie Balluch. To this union they had two daughters and four sons: Sue Ellen (Richard) Goates, Eugene, Eddie, Donald (Rose), Donna (Chuck) DuFault and Chris (Ila).

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Balluch, parents John and Barbara Spies, brother John Spies, daughter Sue Ellen and son Chris.

Dorothy is survived by her brother Harold, children Gene, Eddie, Donald and Donna and 19 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

Over the years Dorothy was an avid softball player, bowler and busy mother following the many activities of her six children. Later in life she stayed busy stitching away on numerous quilts. She loved to mow. Many a lawn mower were worn out maintaining her large yard at less than three inches tall throughout the growing season.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the Ashland Community Church, 2901 W. 32nd Ave., Manhattan, KS. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be at a later date in the Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter, Kan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Ashland Community Church. Donations may be sent to Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.