Virginia M. Gilbert Balsbaugh, 94, of Denver, Ind., passed away Jan. 5, 2013, in Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester, Wabash County. She was born April 7, 1918, near Servia, Wabash County, to the Rev. Elmer H. and Ina Arminda McFarland Gilbert. On Dec. 28, 1941, at Clear Creek Church of the Brethren, Huntington County, she was married to Charles W. Balsbaugh by her father. Charles died Nov. 27, 2009. She was a member of Church of the Brethren, Clear Creek, and later First Brethren Church, Mexico, Ind., where she served as deaconess for many years. She graduated from Chester High School, North Manchester, in 1936; received her teaching degree from Manchester College; and earned a master’s degree in library science from Ball State University, Muncie, in 1961. She taught school at Mexico, Metea, Deedsville and Macy and was the first librarian at North Miami High School, Denver, retiring in 1973. She was a member of Pink Ladies, Indiana State Teachers Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, Literary Club and the Women’s Missionary Society. She loved to read, play the piano, crochet, sew and play cards. Surviving are three daughters: Jean A. (and spouse Donald G.) Musselman, Linda M. (and spouse Jack C.) Koenig and Peggy J. (and spouse William D.) Wellsand all of Denver; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, B. Josephine Gilbert (and spouse Orlo) Hibbs, Columbia City; a sister-in-law, Marguerite A. Buckingham, Warsaw; several cousins; and many nieces and nephews. She also was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers: Ethel M. Gilbert (and spouse Myron E.) Hyde; E. Madeline Gilbert (and spouse William M.) Walls; M. Louise Gilbert; Arthur R. (and spouse Marsha R. Pearson) Gilbert; Dorotha P. Gilbert (and spouse J. Eldon) Zinsmeister; J. Edward (and spouse Mildred L. Morris) Gilbert; and her brothers-in-law, Herman L. Buckingham and Jack Hively. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Ind., with Pastor Matthew Haynes officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mexico, Ind. Calling is from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be made to First Brethren Church, Mexico, Ind., or the North Miami High School Library. Condolences may be sent via www.mcclainfh.com
