Francisca "Francis" Balderas

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Francisca "Francis" Balderas, 80, of Walla Walla. She was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Francis was born on August 25, 1944, in Odem, Texas, to Francisco and Ramona Balderaz Chavarria. She did fieldwork growing up and met her future husband, Pablo Balderas, in Weiser, Idaho, where they married in 1963. She worked in several places during her life, notably Martin Archery, and retired from Whitman College after nearly 30 years.

Francis was very close to her family and was especially happy when she was with her grandchildren. Many holidays were spent at her home with lots of fantastic food and great times. She was an excellent cook, and boy, did she love her coffee! She enjoyed crocheting and watching old Westerns, especially Gunsmoke.

She is survived by her children, David Balderas and Connie Spence, and her sisters, Aurora Salazar, Maria Garcia, and Gloria Ruelas. She is also survived by three brothers, Robert, Juan, and Alex Chavarria, nine grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. Her husband, Pablo, preceded her in death, passing in 2017.

Viewing will take place from 2:00-6:00 PM on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Herring Funeral Home, with the rosary to follow at 6:00 PM. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the staff at Providence St. Mary's for all their care and compassion over the past few months.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cure PSP Foundation through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.