Vicki Balhoff

Our world was changed on July 5, 2025 when Vicki Jean (Schling) Balhoff unexpectedly passed away at home. Born on April 3, 1954 in Elmore to the late Walter and Marjorie (Atwater) Schling. How do we sum up in one paragraph someone who was so much to so many. Talented and gifted with so many wonderful attributes. Some knew Vicki through her time with horses, Circle 8 Saddle Club, and many years as an advisor of 4-H in Ottawa County. She was a treasured friend and one of the “Golden Girls” of Eastwood class of 1972. Since 1984 you may have seen her dance her way into the hearts of many at a county fair, nursing home, festival or even at the Capital One Bowl half time show as a wonderfully talented clog dancer. (Often times recruiting her family to join.) She was a self-taught seamstress. Sewing and designing the attire for her groups.

Her business and career also started back in 1984 when she began at New York Life. Meeting her devoted husband, Richard, whom she would marry years later on November 20, 1998. Blending their families and business they began their own Investment company in 2003. Through the years all those she helped became more than just clients, but lifelong friends.

I am sure if you ask those friends, they will tell you that of all her accomplishments, what she was most proud of was her FAMILY. She was the loving mother to Denny and Richie. Step Mother to Chad and Brett. Grandmother to Makaila, Zach, Lauren, Brock, Karlie, McKenna, Michael, Anna and Matthew. Great Grandmother to Barrett, Peyton, Maizie and Kash. Whether it was a football game, a horse show, demo derby, tractor pull, parade, swim meet, band competition or building a snowman, Grandma Vicki (Mom) was there. She taught many her famous cookie and fudge recipes. Some she taught to squeal the tires (she loved that) and the love for fast cars. She taught some to sew, she shared her love of purple, but most importantly she taught us that being present in the lives of those we love was the best gift she could give.

She will be remembered for her fierce love of family, unconditional friendship, hard work, willingness to give, her strong-willed personality, and those special treasure hunts in the woods.

She is survived by her husband Richard of 27 years. Her sons Denny (Tonya) Price, Richie (Marisa) Price, Chad (Jennifer) Balhoff, Brett (Mindy) Balhoff. Grandchildren: Makaila (Josh) Beckhusen, Zach (Bridgette) Price, Lauren, Brock Price, McKenna and Karlie Messenger, Micheal

Balhoff, Anna and Matthew Balhoff. Great Grandchildren: Barrett, Peyton, Maizie Beckhusen and Kash Edwards. Brother Rod (Kathy) Schling

She is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Marjorie Schling as well as her brothers Denny, Donald and Randy Schling.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 11 am -1 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. Sharing of Memories will follow at 1 pm.

Memorial donations may be given to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.