Vivian Carol Balkenbusch

Vivian Carol Balkenbusch, 78, of Palm Harbor, Florida, formerly of Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2012, at Suncoast Hospice Brookside. She was born October 11, 1933, in Jefferson City, a daughter of the late Emil H. and Aurelia (Eveler) Roling. She was a 1951 graduate of St. Peter's High School in Jefferson City, and went on to attend Columbia College in Jefferson City, Missouri. On February 19, 1952, Vivian was united in marriage in Benton, Arkansas, to Herbert A. "Bud" Balkenbusch, who preceded her in death on January 3, 1993. Vivian worked for the State of Missouri - Department of Health from 1954 to 1965. She worked as Payroll Clerk for Chesebrough-Ponds from January 3, 1967, until her retirement on April 1, 1992. She was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church; the Fraternal Order of Eagle's Auxiliary #2693, where she was the Missouri State President from 1994-1995; the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Mended Hearts of St. Mary's Health Center. She was also a member of the River City Reds "Red Hatters". Vivian loved traveling, Cardinals qne Tampa Rays baseball, playing card games and bingo, as well as getting involved with her children's and grandchildren's activities. She is survived by a son: Chris Balkenbusch (wife Pam) of Highland, Illinois; four daughters: Kathy "Kate" Carmichael, Carol Ritchie, Kim Balkenbusch, and Connie Menke all of Palm Harbor, Florida; one step-daughter: Judy Wilson of Jefferson City; two sisters: Mary Hood of Grain Valley, Mo.; Peggy Puckett of Jefferson City; and five grandchildren: Jay Carmichael of Palm Harbor, Florida; Joshua Ling of Norfolk, Virginia; Brandy, Christina and Nicholas Balkenbusch all of Highland, Illinois. She was also preceded in death by a step-daughter: Melinda Thomason; a brother: Harold E. "Bubby" Roling; and a sister: Doris O'Rourke. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. and a memorial service by the Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 27, 2012, at St. Peter's Catholic Church with Fr. Austin Okoli officiating. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Samaritan Center or the Helias Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com