Leila Smith Balis Obituary (1919 - 2010)

Our Amazing MomLeila was born November 2, 1919 in Buhl, Twin Falls, Idaho, to Raymond L. and Lulu Bennett Smith. She passed away Saturday, January 2, 2010, peacefully in her sleep.She attended Buhl schools, graduating form high school there and going on to the Southern University at Pocatello, Idaho, later Idaho State, where she obtained a degree in Education. She then taught at schools in Baker, Idaho and Eden, Idaho. She married Kenneth C. Balis January 6, 1942 in Redding, California. They farmed in Filer and later Ken went into utility construction and they moved to Salt Lake City in 1953.Leila and Ken were charter members of the Willow Creek Country Club and she held many offices in golf and bowling there. She joined the Mick Riley Women’s Golf group and was president six times and held many other offices. She founded the Holladay Toastmistress Club and among other offices became Regional Supervisor of the Snake River Region. She was also president of Job’s Mothers. At a later age Leila went back to school to become a medical assistant and then worked for four doctors. She volunteered at Cottonwood Hospital for many years and was a volunteer with the Computer Club at the Heritage Center.Leila had a love of family and genealogy, tracing many ancestors and writing extensive and comprehensive booklets about each family line. She gave copies to family members and copies to the Family History Library.Wife and mother were her most precious accomplishments. Leila’s children loved her dearly and could not have asked for a better mother. She is survived by her children, Shari Bennett of Salt Lake; Linda Burke (Pat), Mallorca Spain; Jim Balis (Vickie) of Salt Lake; Jeffrey Balis (Sherry) of Sandy, and her sister, Lois Matheney of Twin Falls, Idaho, also many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her husband Ken preceded her in death after 54 years of marriage, also preceded in death by her sister Norma Brown.A memorial service will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary. 4760 South State Street, on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., with a Celebration of Leila’s Life following at Spring Hills Condo Club House, 5260 Springhouse Lane.In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity.