Dru Anne Balch of Huntsville passed away after a brief illness. Born Susan Marie Andrew in the same Los Angeles hospital where both of her parents were born, six year old Dru Anne insisted on a new name after her grandmother Susie (for whom she was named) passed away. After young Susie refused to relent, her parents reversed the syllables in their last name Andrew to come up with Dru Anne. This episode illustrated her strong will which was a lifelong trait. Dru Anne literally grew up on the UCLA campus where her mother, Dr. June Zeller Andrew, earned three degrees. Dru Anne graduated from Santa Monica High School and then earned a bachelor's degree from UCLA. After serving a stint in the Vista Teachers' Corps, Dru Anne moved to the Gulf Coast where she worked in the shipbuilding industry. While living and working in New Orleans, Dru Anne met Shoals native Anthony Balch. They married in January of '79. Later that year the new couple moved to Birmingham where Dru Anne pursued a second degree, this one in Computer Science at UAB. She earned this degree in record time and then went to work for Combustion Engineering as a Systems Analyst and Administrator. In 1982 The Balch's moved to Huntsville where they put down roots on Green Mountain. Dru Anne went to work for UDS/Motorola where she worked until its closure. Dru Anne then worked for Sirsi Dynix until 2010. In 1986 Dru Anne gave birth to Ethan Balch, her lone survivor. She was preceded in death by her father David W. Andrew and her mother Dr. June Zeller Andrew. A longtime member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Dru Anne served as a deacon and is known for her tireless hours of service. Her greatest joy was working with young children. There will be a memorial service celebrating the life of Dru Anne this Sunday, October 15 at 2:30 pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Drake Ave. A visitation with refreshments will follow the service.
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Dear Ethan,
I knew Dru Anne many years ago (late 1960's). I am greatly saddened to learn of her passing. She was a sweet, beautiful and funny young woman. I will always cherish the fond memories I have of her.
[Ethan - Please contact me at [email protected] - thank you.]
Steven F.
April 14, 2018
Steven F.
April 14, 2018
I came to know Dru thru a long time friend of hers. Dru Anne was so gracious to help me get my fiancé out of a very bad life threatening situation in the UK in March. She helped us up until the time of her accident. I know my fiancé's family and myself greatly miss her.
Colleen Hay-Forde
Acquaintance
October 31, 2017
RIP Dear Sweet Lady . Love You
Sylvia Marks
October 14, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Dru Ann at Motorola while I was in the drafting dept. She was a sweet & awesome lady . God Bless you . RIP Dear Lady . Love you
October 14, 2017
Dear Ethan,
I was so very sorry to learn of the passing away of your mother. I have fond memories of visiting with her at your house and at Randolph school events, and I always enjoyed her insights. Please know that we're thinking of you.
Emily Burwell
Emily Burwell
October 13, 2017
I am saddened to learn of your loss. Dru Anne was one of my favorite fellow Sirsi colleagues. May God bless your family and comfort you during this difficult time.
Kimbrent Olson
October 12, 2017
Dru Anne was a professional and I enjoyed working with her. I wish I had known her better and I am sorry for your loss of a wonderful lady.
Ann Fulmer
October 12, 2017
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