MRS. HELEN BALOG of Milk River, beloved wife of Steve Balog, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at the age of 88 years.

Born on May 16, 1921 in Hungary, Helen came to Canada at 9 years of age, living in Southern Alberta.

Helen married Steve Balog in 1939 and moved to 1-17 in the Milk River district. Together, she and Steve farmed in the 1-17 area until 1982 when they moved to Milk River.

Helen had many interests including gardening, crocheting, both community and church work, and above all, her family.

Helen is survived by her loving husband Steve, one daughter Emma (Robert) Hulit of Coutts, and two sons Steven E. (Roberta) Balog of Calgary, and Kenneth (Nora) Balog of Milk River, and daughter-in-law Bev Balog of Milk River. A brother Archie (Eva) Szabo of Medicine Hat, and sister Margaret Berringer of Milk River are also left to mourn her passing. Helen also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents Steve and Helen Szabo, son Gordon Balog, daughter-in-law Jean Balog, and brother Steve Szabo, sister-in-law Audrey Szabo and brother-in-law Ed Berringer.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:30 PM, on Friday, July 24, 2009, at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Milk River, Alberta.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Milk River, Alberta.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Milk River & District Health Care Centre Long Term Care, P.O. Box 90, Milk River, AB T0K 1M0.