LaVonne Marie Bals, age 95 passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Schaller, IA on March 5, 1929, to the late Lloyd "Lee" and Hilda (Strauss) Winkler.

LaVonne graduated from Schaller High School, where she played basketball and scored a game high 23 points as a point guard. Following graduation, she went on to secretarial school in Omaha, NE, where she met the love of her life, Ivan Bals. Ivan was a WWII B-17 pilot.  After the war and their marriage he rejoined the Air Force, and the family traveled to MANY places.

The family settled in Whitehall, OH, and LaVonne began working in real estate. She worked as a realtor on the east side of Columbus for many years until she retired in Pickerington. She and Ivan spent many winters in Arizona enjoying community activities with friends and relatives.

LaVonne was a longtime member of Seton Parish, and her love of music led her to join the Germania Singing and Sports Society as a member of their Damenchor. She was a dedicated member and volunteer of the organization.

Most recently she has been a resident of The Villas at St. Therese, making many friends who often referred to her as the "Popcorn Lady". The staff enjoyed numerous memories that were made with LaVonne, her energy was contagious.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45+ years, Ivan Clemens Bals, his sister Bernice Claire Bals; siblings, Robert Winkler, Bernace Winkler, Orris Winkler and Bernard Winkler. LaVonne is survived by her children Dianne Curtiss, Daniel Bals, Karen Zimmerman, Mary (Ross) Johnson, JoAnn (Larry) Hirsh, David Bals & Michael (Inge) Bals; grandchildren, Kevin and Scot Curtiss, Fred, Jeff and Bruce Zimmerman, Ethan Tupelo, Adam, Jessica, and Zachary Hirsh, Benjamin Johnson, Marcus, Andrew, and Maria Bals (Dingess); great-grandchildren, Kevin Jamison, Thomas Landon, Lena, Samantha, Austin, Carson, Allie, Nickolas & Rosalie; many additional great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family and friends in Iowa.

Friends and family can call from Noon until 3:00PM on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the O.R. WOODYARD Co. Funeral Home 1346 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43207. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30AM St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 600 Hill Rd N. Pickerington, OH 43147. Burial will follow at Violet Township Cemetery. Priest Ery will be officiating.

If you wish to make a charitable donation the family suggests Milestones Autism Resources www.milestones.org