Barbara Balbinot

Canton – Barbara L. Balbinot, of Canton, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the Sunset Manor in Canton.
She was born on July 7, 1921 in Canton to Howard and Fern (Sexton) Essex.  They preceded her in death.
She married William “Willie” Balbinot on September 1, 1942 in Palmyra, Missouri.  He preceded her in death on December 25, 1993.
Surviving are two children, Bill Balbinotti of Galesburg, Cindy Rodney of Canton, son-in-law Don Rodney and two grandchildren; Brent (Judy) Balbinot of Collinsville, IA, and Tracee Roberts of Burlington, IA, step granddaughter Kelli (Joe) Kopetz of Decatur, IL, and three step great-grandchildren; Eliana, Egan, and Eiran all of Decatur, IL.  She is also survived by her brother Jack Essex, several nieces and nephews, two very “Special nieces”; Judy Eddy and Kathy Eskridge both of Canton, and two “Special Kids” Deb Rodney and Mary Kara.
Also preceding her in death is her brother Chuck Essex, sisters, Shirley Jarningan, Pat Essex and Jane Button.
Barb and her husband Willie managed the Canton Country Club for 25 years.  Barbs favorite saying was “I wine em and Willie Dines em”.  They did a fine job doing just that.
Cindy opened the Pickett fence Tea Room and Gift Shop.  Barb jumped right in with both feet where she made the best chicken salad around and her fair share of homemade pies.  She was well known for both.  Her favorite job at the Pickett Fence was being the “P.R.” lady. She welcomed everyone when they came in and visited with every table while they were there.  She was our “Greatest Asset”.
She was the most loving person you would ever want to meet and never meet a stranger.  Her family meant more to her than life it’s self.
She enjoyed going to the boat and playing slots at the Official Time Out.  “Casino Queen” you will be sorely missed.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
A visitation will be held at 10 am, on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton with a Graveside funeral service at the White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton at 11 am.
Memorials may be made to the St. Mary’s Food Pantry.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com