Deborah Balch

A graveside service for Deborah Balch, 74, of Monroe, LA, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Loch Arbor Baptist Church Cemetery in Monroe, LA, with Rev. William Sikes officiating, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd., Monroe.

Deborah Balch was many things to many people: joyous, caring, loving, and generous. Perhaps above all, she was genuine. Her presence had a way of making everyone she encountered feel like they truly mattered, like for that moment they were the center of the universe. She spoke from the heart, and when she wrapped you in her arms, it was like being wrapped in a warm, comforting blanket of love and comfort.

Her impact on the world was profound. She helped shape the lives of countless others by raising her own children along with hordes of others. Her home was rarely quiet, often filled with the joyful sounds of children playing and laughing—a testament to her open heart and nurturing spirit. She welcomed all who crossed her path, creating a space of warmth, love, and unwavering support.

She was deeply devoted to her family and her love for all things equestrian. She was a hard worker; there’s no doubt about that. Whether in the barn or in the home, she was always doing something to serve, something to help, taking care of something or someone. Her husband, Sambo, was her constant companion and partner through the beautiful life they built together. She loved him and cherished being his wife and soulmate.

Deborah’s home, like her heart, was always open. The world does not have many Deborahs; perhaps it doesn’t deserve them. But we were profoundly blessed to have had her in our lives. She has left an indelible mark on all who knew her, and her legacy will live on in the memories so many of us hold dear.

Her life was one to be celebrated, her love a gift we will carry with us always. While the loss is immeasurable, so too is the gratitude for having been part of her journey. Rest in peace, Deborah. You will be missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know you.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew “Buddy” Harrington and Patricia “Nana” Harrington; her husband of fifty-four years, Angus “Sambo” Balch, Jr.; her brother, Andrew “Andy” Harrington, Jr.; and her grandson, Tyler Hunt. She is survived by her sister, Rhonda Ramsey and spouse Owen; brother, Harold Harrington and spouse Loraine; daughters, Laurie Sylvestri and spouse Ray, Marcie Balch, and Christie Dixon and spouse Randy; grandchildren, Christopher Balch, Micah Moore and spouse Scott, Reanna Dixon, and Taylor Sylvestri; and great-grandchildren Shepley and Riggins Moore. She is also survived by Amanda May, whom she considered as a granddaughter and who considered her as a grandmother, and Amanda’s daughter, Alexis, whom she considered as a great-granddaughter.

The family would also like to make a special mention and thanks to Donna Gardner and spouse Gary, Cheryl Stewart and spouse Burl, Michael Roach and his family, and caregiver Ida Manning.