Viola Evelyn Balzan

Viola Evelyn Balzan, 90, passed from this life on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at her home in Cleveland.

Viola was born on January 4, 1928, in California. She was the daughter of James Allen and Ila (Bates) Dunn. Vi was raised in the Los Angeles area. She spends her early years in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Palamar and then later moving to Lynwood graduating from Compton High School in 1946. Vi later married Jack Pruitt, and to that union, there are two daughters Toni and Cheri. Vi worked as a banquet hostess for many years in the Los Angeles area. She later married Al Balzan, and the couple resided in Fallbrook, California for many years where the two retired. Following the death of Al, Meme went to California to move Vi to Oklahoma. Vi and Meme resided in Sand Springs until 1984. Vi had a major stroke and required additional help, so the two moved to Cleveland. During that time Vi joined the First Assembly of God Church but had difficulties attending. She always felt since she could see the church from her home and always received the sermons that were better than nothing.

Vi and her sister Meme had a wonderful relationship. She loved the food Meme would provide for her and always enjoyed going to Judy Ann’s. Vi loved to work crossword puzzles, reading and her companion Sammy, her dog. Her children lived far away but always visited when possible and would call frequently. Following the death of her sister Meme, Judy and Phil took her place and continued providing care for Vi and Sammy.

Survivors are her two daughters, Toni Pruit of California,, Cheri Merrell of Pennsylvania, niece Judy Ann and Phillip Ward of Cleveland, Oklahoma; grandchildren John Buckley, Steven Wright, Jason Wright, David Buckley, Wayne Merrell, great grandchildren Christopher, Amber, Caleb, Andrew, Diana, Raquel and numerous other relatives and friends. Vi was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters Mary Slaughter, Mabel Allen, Hazel Mangun, Lucille Dunn; two brothers Silas Dunn and Bud Dunn.

Graveside services will be held 12:30 PM Monday at the Woodland Cemetery with Rev. Dan Edens officiating. Friends and family may share a memory of Vi online at www.chapman-black.com. Chapman-Black Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.

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