It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Lenore Kay Balzer, who left this world to be with her Savior on November 3, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Lenore was born in Butte, Montana in 1951 to Herbert and Elizabeth (Straw) Malone. She grew up in the close-knit community of Metaline Falls, Washington, and graduated from Selkirk High School in Ione, Wa in 1969 and was a proud member of the drill team. Lenore spent most of her life in the Tri-Cities, where she built a legacy of love, care, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished. In 1971, Lenore married Rick Johns, with whom she had two daughters, Shelby Brunson and Nicole Ostergaard. She later married Tom Balzer in 2002, and together, they shared a beautiful life until his untimely passing at just 43 years old.

Lenore's love for her family was at the core of who she was. She was deeply devoted to her parents, Herbert and Elizabeth, and shared a close bond with her siblings—James, William, Robert, Margaret, and Michael. Together, they created countless treasured memories, especially during the holidays when family was everything to Lenore. She adored spending time with her nieces and nephews, and her love for her 17 nieces and nephews was boundless. Her home was always open, and large family gatherings were a joyous tradition, filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of being together.

Once her children started having children, Lenore's strength, compassion, and devotion to her family were evident in everything she did. She was dedicated to the happiness of her children and to loving and supporting her grandchildren and their partners. She was a constant presence in their lives, always there with open arms, a listening ear, and words of wisdom. Lenore's five grandchildren—Spencer, Hailey, Sydney, Nya, and Caysen—held a special place in her heart, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Lenore was never one to shy away from standing up for what she believed in, particularly when it came to her family and the communities, she held dear. She was passionate about helping others and served her community through her work at DSHS, where she forged lasting friendships with colleagues who became like family. Lenore had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever she went, whether at work, through her love of sports, or with those who cared for her in her later years. Her warmth and kindness drew people to her, and she was always ready to offer support, advice, or simply a heartfelt conversation.

One of Lenore's greatest joys was giving. Whether it was through thoughtful gifts or simply spending time with those she loved, she made it a point to show how much she cared. Holidays, especially Christmas, were her favorite time of year, when she delighted in spoiling her children and grandchildren with presents and love. Lenore was a woman of tradition, and her dedication to creating beautiful memories for her family will never be forgotten.

Lenore was also an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for the Mariners and Seahawks, and attending games with family and friends. She enjoyed being part of a mixed doubles bowling league in her younger years and, later in life, took great joy in attending her children's baseball and softball games. Her zest for life, her energy, and her unwavering love for her family will leave an enduring legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.

Lenore is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Elizabeth Malone, her brother William Malone, and her beloved husband, Thomas Balzer. She is survived by her daughters, Shelby (Roger) Brunson and Nicole (Bryan) Ostergaard; her grandchildren, R. Spencer (Ashlynn) Brunson, Hailey (Kaleb) Myer, Sydney Brunson, Nya Ostergaard, and Caysen Ostergaard; her siblings, James Malone, Robert Malone, Margaret Park, and Michael Malone; as well as her sister-in-law, Roseanna Malone.

Though Lenore may no longer be with us, the love she gave, the memories she created, and the lessons she taught will live on forever in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.