Obituary of Patricia Balla

Patricia Jean Balla "Pat" (nee Barton) Age 79. Passed away peacefully Friday, September 19, 2014 at her home with her loving family at her side. Born in Joliet, she was a lifetime area resident. Graduate of Joliet Township High School, she also attended Providence Catholic High School. She was a secretary for many years at Argonne National Laboratory and retired after many years from Troy Township and Troy Senior Services. A member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and St. Paul's CCW, where she was awarded Woman of the Year. Member of the Altrusa Club and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. She was a former Troy Township Election Judge. Pat was an avid Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears fan, who enjoyed spending time at her family cottage in Wisconsin. She spent many Christmases with her family around her Disney tree, and was very proud of her Irish heritage. Pat enjoyed every moment of her time with her family and whenever possible, she would attend all her grandchildren's' activities. She enjoyed playing poker with the Troy Seniors, and spent many happy hours at various casinos. She was an excellent cook, who was known for her homemade pizza, pie irons, rhubarb custard pie, and chili. On September 11, 2014, Pat and Clar celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Survived by her loving husband, Clarence; children, Lynn (Ernest) Minarich, Susan (Kevin) Loef, John (Judy Offerman) Balla, Lori (Anthony) Cox and Bart Balla; nine grandchildren, Megan (Charlie Harris) Minarich and Jillian (Steven) Ritter; Katie, Anna, and Lauren Loef; Justin Balla; Ashley and Erin Cox; and Kristine Balla; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Louise (late Emmett) Wendell and Margaret (late Ray) Pasteris; brother-in-law, Tom (Mary) Balla; sister-in-law, Irene (late Donald) Thomas; dear friends, Mary Ann Barton, Joan Samlin, Jennifer Heim and Bruce Carmody; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Francis "Frank" and Elizabeth (nee Egan) Barton; son, Joseph in infancy; one sister, Lois (Don) Blaser; and her beloved dogs, Casey and Missy. In her final days, Pat was blessed with her family by her side and received special care from her granddaughter, Katie. The family would like to give a special thank you to the LVAD team at Christ Advocate Hospital, Dr. Macaluso, Mary Jo Chetney, all the wonderful caregivers at Joliet Area Community Hospice, especially Margie, Sue, and Lucas, the therapy dog. Funeral Services for Patricia J. Balla will be Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Troy Senior Services, Joliet Area Community Hospice, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church or American Heart Association would be appreciated. Visitation Monday 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500.