March 28, 2024

Mary M. Balmer

April 9, 2015

A graveside service for Mary M. Balmer will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 13 at the Newton Union Cemetery. Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a celebration of life gathering at the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 3000 N. Fourth Ave. E. in Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mary’s name, to Project AWAKE, Newton Arboretum.

Mary passed away Thursday, April 9, 2015, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. She was born April 5, 1939, in Centerville, the only child of Forrest and Hazel Minear. Mary graduated from Newton High School in 1958, and attended American Institute of Business graduating in 1959. Mary and James (Jim) Balmer were united in marriage June 20, 1959, and were blessed with one child, Kimberly, born in 1961.

Mary was employed by The Maytag Company from 1959, until her retirement 41 years later, in 2001.

Her parents preceded Mary in death; as well as her two brothers-in-law, Jerry and Jack Balmer. Those left to honor Mary’s memory are her beloved husband, Jim; and daughter, Kimberly (Kim; son-in-law, David Mellinger; and two granddaughters, Molly and Elizabeth; her sister-in-law, Elaine Balmer; niece Amy (Balmer) Chu; and three great-nieces.