Frances Elizabeth “Bets” Gunter Balk, 72, resident of Maury County, died Saturday at Maury Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor James Hakim officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. and Saturday from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home.
Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
Born October 5, 1947 in Greensboro, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Van Gunter and the late Elizabeth Couch Gunter. She was a graduate of Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, Lees – McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina and also completed one year of residency at the Medical College of Virginia. Mrs. Balk worked with Neurological Associates of West Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI. After moving to Tennessee, she began working as a secretary for Dixie Diesel, Inc. where she just retired from in March. Mrs. Balk was a member of West Minster Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, Kentwood Community Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a visitor at Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Culleoka, Tennessee.
Mrs. Balk loved the water, especially the beach and ocean. Her heart was devoted to sharing her life with her husband, Al and their children. She enjoyed working in the shop with Al on their antique cars. She has a great time attending car shows and cruising around. Her dearest gift in life was watching her children and grandchildren grow into strong Christian people with hearts of gold. Mrs. Balk was truly proud of her grandchildren. Her biggest prayer was that God bring peace to the world and that He would bless each and every one.
She is survived by her children, Justin Edward Boes of Brick, New Jersey, Matthew David (Tiffany) Boes Sapula, Oklahoma, and Erin Christine (Marc) Ritsema of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandchildren, Gabby Boes, Alexis Boes, Ethan Boes, Gage White, Brooke, Bateman, Alex Ritsema, and Troy Ritsema; brother, Van W. (Rusty) Gunter, II of Greensboro, North Carolina; sister, Patricia A. (Robert) Davis of Okatie, South Carolina; and nieces & nephews, Trey, Gunter, Kevin Gunter, and Stephanie Davis.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Allen Gregory Balk on August 3, 2005.
Active pallbearers will be past and present employees of Dixie Diesel.
