Dorothy Ann (Hanson) Balles

Dorothy Ann (Hanson) Balles was born on June 10, 1942, in Zurich, Montana, to Raymond and Lois Hanson. One of four children, Dorothy grew up surrounded by family and carried that strong sense of family throughout her life.

After graduating from Chinook High School in 1960, Dorothy enlisted in the WAVES, the women’s branch of the United States Navy. During her service, she had the special honor of officially presenting the Montana state flag to the Navy. The flag was proudly displayed each week during the Recruit Graduation Review.

While serving in the Navy, Dorothy met and married George Michael Balles. Together they raised four sons: Michael, Shawn, Kelly, and Thane. Throughout the years, Dorothy made her home in many places across the country, including San Diego, Virginia Beach, Pensacola, Kansas City, Seattle, Spokane, and numerous other communities. Each move became another chapter in a life filled with family, adventure, and lasting memories.

Later in life, Dorothy found love again with Terry Murbach and made her home in Bayview, Idaho. Dorothy and Terry shared 36 wonderful years together. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, sewing, fishing, and watching Terry play pool. Most of all, Dorothy treasured the time she spent with her family and especially enjoyed seeing and spending time with her grandchildren. Over the years, she and Terry were blessed to watch their family grow to include six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Dorothy is survived by her brother, Dale Hanson; her sons, Michael (Mary) Balles, Shawn (Meg) Balles, Kelly Balles, and Thane (Orena) Balles; her grandchildren, Todd Balles, Brandi Ehli, Branden Balles, Athena Hart Wilson, Tess Makoanyane, and Grayson Balles; and eleven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond “Ray” and Lois Hanson, and her sisters, Delores Steinmetz and Donna Ramburg.

Dorothy will be remembered for her devotion to family, her adventurous spirit, her many talents, and the love she shared with those around her. Her life took her to many places, but family was always at the heart of her journey. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories that will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held on September 24 at 10:00 a.m. in Chinook, Montana.

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