Velma E. Ankney-Balthazor, 90, passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Liberty Village in Freeport. She was born on January 19, 1928 to Myron and Estella (Klingsmith) Chadwick in Shelton, Nebraska. She married David Ankney on August 5, 1946, he preceded her in death on November 11, 1976. She then married Francis Balthazor in 1984. Velma retired from Micro Switch in Freeport after 25 years of service. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Freeport.

Velma enjoyed camping, dancing, playing cards, especially pinochle and euchre. She also enjoyed playing board games, jewelry, gardening; growing flowers and tomatoes, which she canned. Velma enjoyed cooking and baking. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Velma is survived by her children; Larry (Nannie) Ankney of Forreston, IL, Erma (Kenny Stark) Rubin of Freeport, Martin (Judy) Ankney of Lena, grandchildren; Corrine (Mike) Coy, Jen (Rick) Zink, Jerry (Amanda) Rubin, Melissa (Craig) Fietzer, Jessica (Rich) Ankney, Jeremy (Sarah) Ankney, great-grandchildren; John, Christy, Jayden, MacKenna, Emelyn, Khaleesi, Madelyn, Amber, Brandon, Nathan, Grant, Spencer, Nolan, Johann, sister; Margery Brown of California, step-children; Liana (Phil) Collati of Freeport, Sue (Clayton) Heilemeier of Freeport, David Balthazor of Wisconsin, Alan Balthazor of California; several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step mother, husband's David and Francis, son David, siblings; Kenneth, Arlene, Erma, Delbert, and Stanley, grandson Todd Ankney, and great-granddaughter Pamela.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 5, 2018 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

A visitation will be from 9-11:00 AM on Friday, October 5, 2018 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Burial will be at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL.

A memorial has been established in her name.