Doris Ilene Balsley

Doris Ilene Balsley, age 87, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at her home from natural causes. Born on January 3, 1937, in Garden City, Michigan to Artimus W. Martin and Lily Matilda (Case) Martin.

Doris studied business at Michigan State University and worked in the dental field most of her life. She enjoyed figure skating and taught for many years as the director of the Figure Skating Program in Plymouth, Michigan. She moved to Colorado in 1985 and loved investigating new places and abandoned ghost towns.

She had a sense of humor and smile that was contagious. She taught us how to laugh and take time to enjoy life every day. She tried not to take life too seriously and made sure to take time to appreciate the flowers, enjoy the sunset, feel the breeze in her hair. It was special to see the truly content look she had as she would look out over the valley from the deck of her home in Pinewood Springs. It was obvious her contentment and pleasure in enjoying the feeling of the evening breeze was something that truly touched her soul. She was most happy when the house was full of family and there was laughter and multiple conversations happening at the same time. She took pleasure in watching everyone around the dining room table tell stories and enjoy each other's company.

Doris was most proud of her children and their accomplishments. She did not strive to be in the spotlight, but rather made sure that each of her kids was successful and happy in their individual lives. This was what was most meaningful to her. She would listen to what you said with undivided attention that made you feel like you were the most important person in the world.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Willard Martin. She is survived by her children, Daniel Balsley, (Karen) of Metamora, Michigan, Diane Kern of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Michael Balsley, (Sharolyn) of Thompson Station, Tennessee. Her grandchildren include Jessica Kern, (Chris), Jeremy Kern, (Dani), Alyssa Kern, and Logan Balsley. She had a very special bond with her great-granddaughter, Marleigh Banks. She is also survived by her former husband Rollin Balsley and her nieces Pamala Olzman, Carolyn Deyo, and Marianne Tisch.

The service will be at Grandview Cemetery, on October 30, 2024, at 1:00 pm

She was a loyal supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please consider donating in her name.