Life Tribute – Janet Balding

Janet Balding

Janet Balding, 82, class of ’55, passed away from breast cancer and dementia Oct. 2, 2020. She was in hospice care at home with her daughter Ellen as her nurse with her husband Martin at her bedside, along with sons Paul and Harold.

Janet was born in Alta Loma Nov. 9, 1937 to Emory and Minnie Allen.

Janet and Martin fell in love during high school, and then married Sept. 14, 1957 after graduation from Chaffey Community College in Ontario California.

Janet worked to support Martin while he finished courses for a teaching credential at Long Beach University. With the credential in hand, and newborn son Harold, the family moved to Catalina Island where Martin taught for four years while Janet managed the household and enjoyed island life.

In 1964, the family resettled in Alta Loma with a new house, teaching assignment and three children, Harold, Ellen and Paul. In 1965 they bought a lot at Eagle Lake north of Susanville California, where they would later build a house and move there in 1987.

Janet was involved with family gatherings, Girl Scouts, PTA, her children’s cross country running team, church secretary and youth group leader, bowling, college classes, substitute teaching, hospital auxiliary and secretary for the local service district.

Janet was predeceased by brothers Gene, and Alvin, and sisters Mary and Evelyn.

She is survived by her husband Martin; her brother Lester Allen, and sister Loretta Alvarez; children: Harold, Ellen and Paul; grand children Chase, Levi, Travis, Victoria, Charlotte, Emory, Jena; and great grandchildren Dylan, Audrey, Levi, Hunter, and Kristalyn.

“Janet was my partner, a loving wife and a wonderful mother,” said her husband Martin. “We celebrated our 63rd wedding anniversary at St Mary’s Hospital, knowing — but not saying — it would be our last together while holding every minute dear to our hearts. I must add Janet supported my habit of running by helping me at more than a hundred events where she often worked at aid stations for runners. Bless her.”

COVID-19 permitting, a Celebration of Life service will be held in the spring with a notice forthcoming when planned.