Geneva Balke

Geneva "Jenny" E. Simpher Balke, 85, of Alton, Ill., passed away Friday, March 5, 2010, at St. Anthony's Health Center in Alton.

She was born May 21, 1924, in Scott City, daughter of John and Lula Henderson Gibson. She and Ralph Balke were married April 15, 1983, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Alton.

Balke was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, and enjoyed traveling and vacations.

Survivors include her husband; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Robert Coomer of Delta; a son, John Simpher of Cape Girardeau; two grandchildren, H. Dean Davis and wife Linda of Delta, Jeffrey Davis of Redding, Calif.; five great-grandchildren, Clayton, Todd, Will, Emily and Catherine Davis.

In addition to her parents, two brothers, Lee and William Gibson, also preceded her in death.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Staten-Fine Funeral Home in Alton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, with Bishop Victor Balke celebrating. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey, Ill.

Memorials may be to Masses at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.staten-fine.com.