Elsie Ruth Balsman, age 73, a Belvidere resident for 54 years coming from Chester, Illinois died Wednesday evening, May 4, 2005 in her home after a 12 year battle with cancer. She was born July 9, 1931 in Chester, Illinois the daughter of Albert and Dorathea (Bendel) Decker. Elsie married Clay Leo Balsman on November 9, 1950 in Hernando, Mississippi. She was a business owner and mother. Elsie's passions in life included traveling the world, painting, and music. She spent her life sharing these passions with family and friends. Her children and grandchildren were her deepest pride and joy. Her loving relationship with family was only surpassed by her love of the scriptures and her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.Elsie is survived by her husband, Clay of Belvidere; children, Russ (Lois) Balsman, Mary Rittweger, Lin (Joe) Roberts, David (Kelli) Balsman; grandchildren, Erich, Ben, Jon, Aaron, Joshua, Alex; sisters Alice Carnahan, Wilma Stirnaman, Lois Mesnarich. Elsie is predeceased by her parents, brothers Erwin, Arthur and Harold Decker.

Northern Illinois Hospice Association, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61108orSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-3090