Obituary of Elva Mae Balch

Elva Mae Leishman Balch February 27, 1928 to February 18, 2021 Elva was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada to John and Lillian Shields. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Jim Shields, three sisters, Jessie Costic, Eva McClay, Ila White, two husbands, William Kenneth Leishman 29 years, Joseph T. Balch, one son Blair Alan Leishman, and grandson Scott Kenneth Dewsnup. Elva is survived by one daughter LeeAnne Dewsnup (Mel), sons Ron Leishman (Nancy), Dale Leishman (Lynn), Wade Leishman, Robert Leishman, Trent Leishman (Connie), 20 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Elva moved to Gridley in 1980 to be close to LeeAnne, Dale and grandchildren. She started knitting socks for her father as a young girl and has spent her last 20 years knitting hats for cancer patients. We lost count after 4000. She learned to golf at Butte College and became very accomplished at it. She also excelled at bowling in Canada. Elva made porcelain dolls, was a talented seamstress and did many types of needle art. She enjoyed reading, dance, cooking and was very artistic. She was a great mother who loved her children and grandchildren very much. We are so grateful to the doctors, nurses and CAN’s who shoed true compassion, concern and tenderness when caring for her, thank you so much to all who cared for her in her last days. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Orchard Hospital in Gridley, California as a token of our appreciation for their love and kindness. Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel.