Jane BalzerBuhler, KS

Whenever someone asked Jane how she was doing, her immediate response was always, “Just peachy!” Even when she had to enter the memory care unit with dementia, she remained consistently cheerful and content. Another favorite phrase Jane used when sending notes of encouragement, college care packages, or letters to her children and grandchildren was “Go with God.” She wanted to make sure that others would have the joy she experienced following God’s leading. On May 19th, 2026, Jane went peacefully to God.

She leaves behind her husband, Loren, three sons and daughters-in-law: Jeremy and Kim Balzer, Aurora, CO; Timothy and Rachel Balzer, Lincoln, NE; Courtney and Cassie Balzer, Wichita, KS; four grandchildren: Aran, Maekhala, Tassanee, and Miles; sisters, ChloAnn (Merlyn) Helmuth, Ellen (Dale) Franz; brothers, Gene (Jody) Bontrager, Jay (Kim) Bontrager; sister-in-law, Judy Yutzy, brother-in-law, LeRoy Friesen and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Rachel Bontrager, brother, Galen Bontrager, parents-in-law, Arnie and Martha Balzer, sister-in-law, Deloris Friesen and brother-in-law, Lloyd Yutzy.

Jane was born in Hutchinson, KS, and lived with her family 5 miles south of Pleasantview. She attended Partridge Grade School, Central Christian High School, Hutchinson Community College, and Sidney’s Hairdressing College. She met Loren on a blind date. They married in 1970 and were able to have 55+ beautiful years traveling and working together. They spent 2 years in Chicago while Loren did his 1-W service and Jane worked on medical records. They moved back to Buhler in 1972 and began their Custom Harvesting business, which lasted 30 years. Jane cooked delicious meals for the crew and became the mother figure to all the young men, listening to their homesickness and girlfriend problems, and talking Pennsylvania Dutch to those who could understand it. During that time, she also raised her 3 rambunctious sons in the dusty fields and hot trailer houses, and she was the love of Loren’s life. During the off season she would do hair in her basement beauty shop called “Jane’s Kustom Kuts.” When Loren retired from the harvesting business, she went to work at Adrians A-Z and loved the girls she worked with and enjoyed all the customers she met.

Jane loved her grandchildren and spoiled them as much as she could. She hosted “Grandma Camp” each summer, providing her grandkids with all kinds of fun activities, games, trips, and of course, lots of delicious meals and desserts. Even when some of the kids made trips to exotic foreign countries, they still considered Grandma Camp to be their favorite place to visit.

Jane was a member of and attended the Buhler MB Church. She loved the church and became involved with the decorating committee, choir, mixed ensemble, youth group, Women of Worth, several Bible studies, and other activities. She received her salvation when she was 12 years old at the Yoder Mennonite Church and worked and studied hard to fulfill God’s purpose in her life. She was an example to those around her, and even in her dementia journey, she tried to pray, talk, and smile with those who helped her. She also was the rock for her sons and worked hard to make sure they were grounded and loved the Lord. Her key verse was Isaiah 43:2-3: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

One of her many posters that she kept stated, “I want to be your favorite Hello and your hardest Goodbye.” With her passing, we as family understand this statement more now than ever. She will be forever missed.

Our thanks go out to the Selah Memory Care group, who did such a good job of taking care of her. Brooklyn became like a caring daughter to her, and Al, one of the residents, was always making sure Jane was okay. Julie and the Gentiva Hospice personnel showed such love and dedication to ensure Jane’s ending was a peaceful one. Thank you so much.

We also thank all the friends and family who visited and sent notes of encouragement through this journey. We truly felt your love for Jane.

Jane enjoyed flowers, especially daisies, but in lieu of flowers, we would ask that any memorial given in Jane’s name be given to the Selah Memory Care Unit (please make checks to Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community with Selah Memory Care Unit in the memo) or to Central Christian Schools.

Visitation will be 5:30–7:30 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026 at Buhler Mortuary. Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church with Curt Vogt officiating. A private family burial will be at Buhler Municipal Cemetery.