Patricia Anne "Pat" Balas

IN LOVING MEMORY

Patricia Anne Balas

Sep 22 1928 - Oct 01 2025 Oct 01 2025

It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of Patricia Anne (Winther) Balas, a resident of McKinney, Texas, on October 1, 2025 at the age of 97 years young. She was born on September 22, 1928, to her loving parents, Alden Edmond Winther and Anne Margaret (McMullen) Winther in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Patricia grew up in McKeesport, Pennsylvania where she met her husband William (Bill) Nicholas Balas. Graduating from McKeesport High School in the Class of 1946, she continued her post-secondary studies at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania earning a bachelor's degree in business administration. She was the first woman ever to major in this field there, and she got married the weekend after graduation in June 1950.

Patricia raised four children while moving around before settling in Chatham Township, New Jersey in 1965. During the 1970s she divorced, began working as a high school substitute teacher, and then went on to build a career as a Coding Analyst with Kemper Insurance in their Data Services division. She was beloved by all and many of her sons' friends regarded "Mrs. B" as their honorary second mother. Pat was a resilient independent woman with a feisty spirit. She cherished the company of her family foremost and in 2000 moved to Texas with her son Scott to live close to her youngest Karen. She loved playing bridge, reading murder mysteries, and watching her favorite television programs. Patricia was of the Roman Catholic faith and a parishioner at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in McKinney, Texas.

Patricia is survived by her children, Karen Hames (Mike) of McKinney, Texas, and Steven Balas (Susie) of Englewood, Florida; her grandchildren, Ryan Hames of McKinney, Texas, Nicki Hames (Brandon Gozick) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kevin Hames of Dallas, Texas, Lalania Balas Sears (Mike) of Placida, Florida, and Alexandra Perry (Michael) of Montecito, California; her great-grandchildren Leander and Solomon Perry of Montecito, California; her brother, Jim Winther (Susan) of Williamsburg, Virginia, and a host of extended family members and friends, who will deeply miss her and treasure her memory.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Alden and Anne Winther, and her sons, Glenn Balas and Scott Balas.

A private graveside family service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 17, 2025, at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas, 75013.