Lynne Balk

Lynne Greiner Balk died November 3, 2025, at the age of 71 from a ruptured aorta.

From an early age, Lynne loved working with children. At 15, she started as a CYO counselor at Camp Field in Leavenworth, WA. She spent 7 summers in that role tirelessly working so all children had a positive experience. Other counselors joked that her enthusiasm and energetic singing often left them with sore throats.

Her musical talents served Lynne well during more than 35 years as an educator. Her Tacoma students, 1980-1995, sang their own classroom song and hummed it softly while moving through hallways. In Monroe, while Salem Woods Elementary School principal, 1995 to 2008, her camp songs entertained 200+ students when buses were unexpectantly delayed.

Lynne was an outdoor enthusiast and could often be found hiking, camping, and gardening. 2025 was the first year she did not camp due to recovering from a Pickleball injury.

Lynne treasured family. As one of 10 children growing up in Yakima, WA, she was adept at sports and group activities. There was always room for one more at her table. Her "family" extended to numerous friends and colleagues.

Lynne is survived by her husband of 43 years Tony; and children Sara T. Ketelsen (Steven), Anthony N. (Megan), Mitchell A. (Jordan Kidwell), and Breanne L. Laborde (Brandon), 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and her 9 siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas A. and Theresa H. (Schmidt) Greiner.

Join a celebration of Lynne's life on Sunday, December 14, 1 p.m., at Monroe High School, 17001 Tester Road in Monroe. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Lynne G. Balk Scholarship fund to support training future educators in Monroe. Donations may be made by paper check to Monroe School District, 14692 179th Avenue SE, Monroe, WA, 98272. Please indicate on the "For" line that your check is for the Lynne G. Balk Scholarship or online at wa-monroe-lite.intouchreceipting.com/memorialscholarship.