Larry LaVerne Balaun
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Larry LaVerne Balaun, who departed this life on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the age of 87, at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS. Born on March 15, 1938, in Salina, Kansas to Harry and Alma Belle (Estep) Balaun. Larry was dedicated to his family and assisted others in the community through the program, Meals on Wheels.
He graduated from Salina High School in 1956 and then joined the United States Air Force. He later worked at Exline in Salina, KS.
On December 30, 1972, Larry married Marilyn Rose Hake, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina, Kansas. They were married 52 years.
Larry is survived by his wife Marilyn Balaun and his children: Cheryl McCabria (Russ), Sheila Balaun, Dan Balaun and Dale Balaun, his sister-in-law Joyce Balaun, brother-in-law Don Wismar, sister-in-law Barbara Balaun, and four grandchildren: Cheyenne McCabria, Seonna McCabria, Sierra McCabria, and Stormi Balaun.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 siblings, Jack Balaun, David Balaun, Elaine Wismar and his son Dirk Balaun.
A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Emmanuel Foursquare Church in Salina with Pastor Loren Houltberg officiating with a meal following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Emmanuel Foursquare Church, 1325 E. Cloud St., Salina, KS 67401 or the Meals on Wheels program.
Ernestine Frances (Ball) Morrison
Ernestine Frances (Ball) Morrison, 88, passed away on July 3, 2025. Ernestine was born in Arkansas City, KS on September 26, 1936, the only child of the late Anna (Gannon) Ball and Wilson Blair Ball. She graduated from Salina High School in 1954 and married Harold Morrison in 1956. They raised their two daughters, Kimberly and Teri Ann on the family farm north of Salina.
Through out her childhood and high school, she developed her talent as a dancer with lessons and theatre involvement. In 1960, she was cast in the Solid Gold Cadillac for the fledgling Salina Community Theatre. She continued to contribute her time and talents as an actress, chorographer, staging consultant and director for SCT over the next five decades. In addition to her theatre work, the family started showing Quarter horses in 1970. Harold and Ernestine then devoted their time to traveling throughout the country as Kim & Teri pursued state and national titles. Ernestine became executive secretary of the Kansas Quarter Horse Association in 1997 and served as the editor and publisher of the KQHA monthly magazine until 2003. She was inducted into the KQHA Hall of Fame in 2007.
She is preceded in death by husband Harold in 2022. She is survived by her daughters; Kimberly (Fred) Norwood, New Cambria; Teri Ann (Michael) Johnson, Temple, TX; grandson, Brandon (Mandy) Norwood, Salina.
Visitation will be at 6 pm, Wednesday, July 9 at 137 N. 8th St., with a celebration of life on Thursday, July 10 at 1 pm also at 137 N. 8th St. Interment will be at Roselawn Cemetery. A casual gathering for memories and stories will follow at Blue Skye Brewery in downtown Salina.
Memorials may be made to the Salina Community Theatre.
Rita Jane Hunter
Rita Jane Hunter, 79, of Salina, KS, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025. She was born on April 7, 1946, in Beloit, KS, to John and Clara (Auer) Peters.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 137 N. 8th St., Salina, with a rosary at 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, with burial to follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Salina.
