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BORN
1923
DIED
2025
Minerva Balcom Obituary
Born in Commodore, PA, a coal miner's daughter, Herky was the 7th of 11 children. Family and friends quickly learned that her Daddy renamed her at a young age. Minerva, in Greek mythology being the goddess of wisdom, Minerva was informed that she might not have a lick of wisdom, but she was as strong as Hercules. Hercules was quickly shortened to Herky and for all her life, the story could be shared.
Herky touched the lives of everyone she met. Her joy, kindness and generosity were foundational to her life, that and her love for her Lord and Savior. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by loved ones and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Herky is survived by her children - Irene, Jerry, David, and Sherri. Herky had several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, and her daughter Mary Jo.
Funeral arrangements are through Wenatchee, Chapel of the Valley. Services will be held at the United Methodist Church on Friday, December 19th at 10:30 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Minerva Balcom
Suzy Woods
January 6, 2026
Irene, sorry about your mom. Thinking of you. Suzy
Carol Draggoo
December 23, 2025
Herky was a valued volunteer for Central Washington Hospital for years. Always helpful and cheerful. We loved Herky
Alicia
December 18, 2025
Iwas lucky enough to spend time with her before she passed, what an awesome woman she was!!!
Char Burdick
December 18, 2025
She was a kind soul with a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers for her family
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Tony Gillin
December 16, 2025
Herky was my mother´s best friend and like a second mother to me and my brothers for many years. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to all the family especially Jerry, David and Sherri who I haven´t seen for so many years. I can´t help but believe that our mothers will be together again in heaven.
-Tony Gillin
Janet England Jones
December 13, 2025
Irene, I´m glad you had her for so many years. She has to be happy to see Jo again!
Renae Hammons Frazier
December 13, 2025
Herky was the best. She welcomed and loved everyone. I was friends with her kids when they lived in Brewster. I was at their house a lot.
When I was in the eighth or ninth grade, I found a litter of puppies that someone had dumped on the side of the road. These pups were very, very small and needed still to be bottle fed multiple times a day. I lived far out of town at that time and there was no way for me to go home and feed them. Herky allowed me to take the puppies to the Balcom´s house and leave them there during the day, so I could feed them. I´ll always remember that...her kindness. She was a sweetheart.
Shari Johnson
December 12, 2025
I'm sorry to hear of Herky's passing. She was a delightful person and a ray of sunshine. She will be missed.
Shari Johnson
December 12, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Herky's passing. She was such a delightful person and beam of sunshine. She will be missed.
Tracy Faulkner
December 11, 2025
WOW! What a wonderful testimony for how to live life. Herky was wise deep in her heart. She loved like no other and always gave the best long hugs. She is not gone she lives in my heart. Herky for Hercules; who knew, but it makes sense she was a strong women!
Julia E. Brown
December 10, 2025
I am glad I had the opportunity to know Herky. She was delightful.
Dianne Gillin
December 10, 2025
One of the most genuine, strong and loving women I have had the privilege of knowing. Happy Heavenly eternity Herky.
Dianne Gillin
sally lohr
December 10, 2025
HERKY, will be so missed. her joy in everything, her smile, her kindness. my prayers for the family. everyone needs a friend like HERKY she was one of a kind.
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