Velma E. Ankney-Balthazor

Velma E. Ankney-Balthazor 1928—2018
Velma E. Ankney-Balthazor, 90, passed away Saturday, September 29, 2018, at Liberty Village in Freeport. She was born January 19, 1928, to Myron and Estella (Klingsmith) Chadwick in Shelton, Nebraska. She married David Ankney on August 5, 1946, he preceded her in death on November 11, 1976. She then married Francis Balthazor in 1984. Velma retired from Micro Switch in Freeport after 25 years of service. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Freeport. Velma enjoyed camping, dancing, playing cards, especially pinochle and euchre. She also enjoyed playing board games, jewelry, gardening, growing flowers and tomatoes, which she canned. Velma enjoyed cooking and baking. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Velma is survived by her children, Larry (Nannie) Ankney of Forreston, IL, Erma (Kenny Stark) Rubin of Freeport, Martin (Judy) Ankney of Lena; grandchildren, Corrine (Mike) Coy, Jen (Rick) Zink, Jerry (Amanda) Rubin, Melissa (Craig) Fietzer, Jessica (Rich) Kunath, Jeremy (Sarah) Ankney; great-grandchildren, John, Christy, Jayden, MacKenna, Emelyn, Khaleesi, Madelyn, Amber, Brandon, Nathan, Grant, Spencer, Nolan, Johann; sister, Margery Brown of California; stepchildren, Liani (Phil) Collati of Freeport, Sue (Clayton) Heilemeier of Freeport, David Balthazor of Wisconsin, Alan Balthazor of California; several step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother; husbands, David and Francis; son, David; siblings, Kenneth, Arlene, Erma, Delbert, and Stanley; grandson, Todd Ankney; and great-granddaughter, Pamela. The family wishes to thank the staff at Liberty Village and FHN Hospice for the care their mother received.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2018, at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL, with visitation from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL. A memorial has been established in her name. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.