Violette Mae “Letta” (Eichman) Balloun

Violette Mae “Letta” (Eichman) Balloun, age 90, died Sunday, May 24, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society, Liberal, KS.

She was born February 2, 1925 at Russell, KS, the daughter of Ruben and Ella Nora (Reinhardt) Eichman. She was a graduate of Russell High School where she was active on the Debate team and won numerous awards at the state level. She also attended numerous business management classes.

On February 18, 1944 in Stillwater, OK, she married George R. Balloun, who was also from Russell, KS. He died on March 16, 2009.

She began her working career in secretarial positions. She would proudly tell of her work for Bob Dole when he was a young politician. She worked in Liberal for many years at Tradewind Industries, Inc. Although she started as a secretary, at the time of her retirement she was Vice-President of Finance and Administration at Tradewinds.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Liberal and a 25 year member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She played in many Bridge Clubs and was an avid collector of Avon bottles and collectables. Photography was her most loved hobby. Lovingly, a statement often said when she had her camera in her hands was, “lookout, Grandma’s got her weapon”. She was always a planner and a family historian with archives and numerous photo albums that she would gift to family members.

She is survived by

1 Son, Randolph Dale “Randy” Balloun and wife Fran of LasVegas, NV;

2 Daughters, Peggy Lynn Lawder and husband Joe of Turpin, OK; and

Jody René Hill and husband Keith of Bixby, OK;

2 Brothers, Ruben E. Eichman, Jr. of Liberal, KS; and

Gary L. Eichman and wife Ida of Russell, KS;

1 Sister, Naida Palmer and husband Richard of Longton, KS.

7 Grandchildren, James (Jay) B. Balloun and wife Cassandra of Winter haven, FL; Andrea L. Storaasli and husband Olaf of Geneva, IL; Robert Shane Balloun and wife Shannon of Richmond, VA; Laura Jo Estes and husband Bryan of Turpin, OK; Andrew A. Lawder and wife Robin of Turpin, OK; Amanda L. Sumner and husband Jesse of Norman, OK; Christopher L. Hill and wife Kayla of Bixby, OK.

11 Great-Grandchildren, Ian James Balloun, Rorie Nicole Balloun, Holt Brandon Balloun, Lila Renee Storaasli, Nora Lily Storaasli, Cora Ottilia Balloun, Maegan Lynn Lawder, Avery Jean Lawder, Sarah Elizabeth Estes, Emily Dawn Estes and Jackson Dean Sumner

She was preceded in death by 3 Brothers, Robert Eugene (Bob) Eichman, Ronald Duane Eichman, Jerry Lee Eichman and 2 Sisters, Norma Dumler and Karlene LeSage.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2015 at Brenneman Funeral Home Chapel in Liberal with Rev. Jerry Odle presiding. Burial will follow at Liberal Cemetery.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday at Brenneman Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 7 – 8 p.m.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Balloun Family Scholarship Fund at Russell High School in care of Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W. 2^nd Liberal, KS 67901.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brennemanfuneralhome.com

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