Susanne Balke

Susanne Balke, of Warsaw, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday January 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 88. She was born on October 25, 1937, in Warsaw, the daughter of Ralph and Value Lentz (Valentine). She was a 1955 graduate of Plymouth High School.

In her life, Susanne embodied qualities that many admired. She was giving, gentle, helpful, loyal, and fundamentally family oriented. Her commitment to nurturing her family was evident in every aspect of her life. She married Richard Balke on February 17, 1968, in Plymouth, embarking on a journey of shared love and partnership that would last a lifetime.

Susanne took on the role of a homemaker, creating a warm and loving environment for her family. She especially cherished her children, Kathleen, Peggy, Richard, Tammy, Anna and Brian. Her legacy lives on through her 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Her interests reflected her kind heart and creative soul. Susanne was actively involved in helping at the soup kitchen at First United Methodist Church and praying for those attending. She also shared her talent by singing in the church choir and even for weddings. She enjoyed many hobbies, including collecting dolls, engaging in arts and crafts, particularly pottery, and writing in her journal and reading.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; children, Kathleen Detrick of Bremen, Peggy (Thomas) Patrick of Bourbon, Richard M. (Kim) Balke of Churubusco, Tammy (Gerald) Smith of North Carolina, Anna (Leonard) Chambers of Argos, and Brian (Elaine) Balke of Silver Lake. She is further survived by her sister, Jenny Greenlee of Plymouth along with her extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Arrangements are entrusted to Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2000 Sheridan Street, Warsaw, IN 46580. Susanne's visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at First United Methodist Church, 179 S Indiana St, Warsaw, IN 46580. At 6:30 PM Pastor Brian Smith will officiate her service. 

Donations in honor of Susanne may be given to the First United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen.