Wilma Balle

Wilma Jean Balle, age 89, of Portland passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Albany Healthcare and Rehabilitation. 

She was born in Portland on Nov. 26, 1934, the daughter of Linley and Ida (Lanning) Walker. She was married on April 25, 1953, to Nickolis Balle, and he passed away on Nov. 29, 2006. 

Jean had worked for Beal’s Restaurant, Horizon Homes and CTS. She was a charter member of the New Beginnings Holiness Church.

Surviving are two daughters, Jackie Smith (husband: Randy) of Portland and Kay Abdulah of Portland; one sister, Pat Miller of North Star, Indiana; five grandchildren, Mandi Glassford, Charity Rogers, Makayla Smith, Faisal Abdulah and Hannah Bricker; and five great-grandchildren, Trinity Glassford, Cooper Glassford, Deric Coons, Benjamin Rogers and Colby Abdulah. 

She was preceded in death by her siblings Bill Walker, Fred Walker, Mable Holcomb, Margaret Smith, Inez Motter, Helen Wood, Barbara Burkett and Esther Burkey. 

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, in Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Smith presiding.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made to New Beginnings Holiness Church.

Baird-Freeman Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.