Linda Balthus of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Saturday morning, April 20, 2013, at her residence at the age of 72 years.

Linda Mae Balthus was born on August 27, 1940, in Caldwell, Kansas, to M. L. "Tim" and Evelyn (Porter) Hock. Her family moved to Blackwell at the age of two where she has been a lifelong resident. She attended Blackwell Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1959. After graduation, she worked for Zooks Warehouse for three years. She married Francis Bruce Balthus on October 29, 1961, in Blackwell, Oklahoma. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, in their RV, to Branson, Yellowstone National Park and many destinations around the country. She collected Precious Moments, Jim Shore Dolls and enjoyed painting.

She is survived by her husband Bruce Balthus of the home; one son, Michael Alan Balthus and wife Rhonda of Ponca City, Oklahoma; three granddaughters, Amber Balthus of Enid, Oklahoma, Holly Balthus of Burlington, Kansas, and Katie Balthus of Ponca City, Oklahoma; and one great grandchild, Ryker Kayde Williams of Burlington, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Vernon LeRoy Hock.

A graveside service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 23rd at the Blackwell Cemetery, with Chaplin Tom Howard, North Central Hospice, officiating.

A memorial in her name has been established with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631