Retired Bluffton business woman Anna Ruth Balmer, 93, of Bluffton, died Oct. 31, 2016, at Maplecrest, Bluffton.

She was born April 30, 1923, in Nappanee, Indiana, to the late Ezra and Anna (Christophal) Mullett. On Dec. 5, 1943, she married Harold Balmer who preceded her in death on April 28, 2012.

Anna was owner and operator of Balmer’s, Bluffton. She was an active member of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton.  Anna enjoyed sewing and polka dancing.  She designed the outfits used for the Maypole dance during May Day at Bluffton University. 

She was a member of Alpha Gamma Club and the Mennonite Women’s Group. She supported Bluffton in many community organizations and services including Bluffton Family Recreation.

Survivors include: sons, Bradley (Leanne) Balmer of Doha, Qatar, Bennett (John) Balmer of Sarasota, Florida, Rev. Dr. Brice (Karen) Balmer of Kitchener, Ontario; daughters, Bretta (Greg) Smith of Williamstown, West Virginia, Beverly Simon of Bluffton, Barbara (John) Watkins of Germantown, Ohio, Beth Froning of Celina, Ohio , 14 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, sister, Evelyn Niswander of North Manchester, Ind., sister-in-law, Mabel Mullett of Pensacola, Florida, and sister-in-law, Mary McMahan of Miamisburg, Ohio.

Preceded in death by a brother, Jonas Mullett.

Services will be held at First Mennonite Church in Bluffton, on Thursday, Nov. 3,  at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Brice Balmer to officiate the service. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Hospice, Findlay, First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, or Maplecrest, Bluffton.  Arrangements are with Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Bluffton. Condolences may be expressed at chiles-lamanfh.com