Carol Ruth Hummell Balaz

1950 - 2025

Carol Ruth Hummell Balaz, 74, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in her home in Washington. She was born June 12, 1950, in Washington, a daughter of the late Robert E. Hummell, Sr. and Mary Roberta "Bertie" Cobern Hummell. An avid leaner and lifelong advocate of education, Carol was a 1968 high honor graduate of Washington High School and graduated magna cum laude from Grove City College in 1972, with a major in elementary education. Carol was employed as a teacher in the Washington School District, first at Eighth Ward School and later at the Washington Park School. During her career, she was selected for inclusion in Who's Who Among American Educators and was honored by the Teacher Excellence Center. Retirement from teaching came in 2012, but memberships in local, state, and national retired teachers associations were maintained. As a woman of great faith, Carol was a Christian since childhood and loved serving her Lord faithfully and effectively in several churches over many years. She was involved in positions of church leadership, children's and women's ministries, and in church hospitality. She was last affiliated with Central Assembly of God. Carol was a voracious reader, enjoyed Bible studies, playing games, computer activities, traveling, and trying new recipes. She was a devoted wife, mother, and aunt, who loved spending time with family, including her love for granddog, Blake. On June 9, 1973, she married the love of her life, Richard Balaz, who survives her. He was the "teacher across the hall" her first year of teaching. They celebrated 51 years of marriage. Surviving are two sons, Jeffrey of Seattle, Wash., and Andrew (Justin Wrubleski) of Canonsburg; two nephews, Craig (Tracy) Hummell, and Rob (John Spady) Hummell; two nieces, Amy (Gerry) Leute, and Vicki (Jeff) Rifgon; two great- nephews, Logan and Alex; a great-niece, Nicole; and a brother-in- law, George (the late Rita) Balaz, Jr. Deceased are a brother, Thomas "Sandy" Hummell and his wife, Mary Ellen; and a half-brother, Robert E. Hummell, Jr. Friends will be received 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 23, in the Hummell and Jones Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, where a service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, January 24. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Avis Arbor at the Washington City Mission; or the Children's Department at Citizens Library. Condolences may be expressed at www.hummellandjones.com. Hummell and Jones Funeral Home, Inc., Lawrence K. Donovan, supervisor, Stina A. Shadel, director.