Melanie Ann Balls

Melanie Ann Balls, 35, passed away peacefully at home, after a long, courageous battle with leukemia, on May 7, 2013.
Melanie was born September 13, 1977 in Logan, Utah, the daughter of LeRoy and Peggy Balls. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She spent most of her life as a Hyde Park girl. As a youth, Mel enjoyed soccer, piano, and singing. She graduated from Sky View High School in 1996, where she was a member of the Front Porch Majority and concert choir. She had a beautiful singing voice and was a self- taught pianist.
In 1997, Mel began her journey as a mother, when Kaden Dee Balls was born. He was the joy of her life. He supported his mom as she sought to further her education. She received her AAS in office systems support and her BAS in early childhood and elementary education from Utah State University. She was a beloved kindergarten teacher for 6 years at Providence Elementary school, where she always went above and beyond for the children she taught. Mel earned her MAS in curriculum and instruction design from the University of Phoenix. Two months after this, she was diagnosed with bi-phenotypic acute leukemia. Mel was devastated to have to give up her teaching career. She continued to find ways to teach the children around her. She was a teacher at heart.
Mel miraculously and courageously fought leukemia for 3 ½ years. Her family and Kaden were by her side through the ups and downs of treatment. She fought with a positive outlook and touched the lives of all the nurses and doctors who cared for her. She fought for Kaden.
The family would like to thank everyone at the bone marrow unit (East 8), at the LDS hospital for the care and support they gave Mel and our entire family. They were Mel’s home away from home and will always be an extension of our family.
Mel is survived by her son, Kaden; parents, LeRoy and Peggy Balls; siblings: Kim Balls (Joanie), Cami Bodrero (Eric), Angela Hammond (Stephen), Greg Balls (Charise), and Mike Balls (Stephanie); grandmother, Ruth Hill; grandmother, Glenna Lamb; and grandfather, Doral Perkes (Kathy). She leaves behind 10 nieces and nephews, who adore her. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Camille Thurston Perkes; grandfather, Dale Balls; grandmother, Emma Jeanette Perkes; grandfather, Harold Hill, and uncle, Kevin Ray Perkes.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 11 at the Hyde Park Stake Center, 535 E. 200 S. Hyde Park, Utah. A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm on Friday, May 10 at Allen Mortuary, 420 E. 1800 N. North Logan, Utah and from 9:30-10:45 am prior to services at the church. Graveside services will be held at Hyde Park City Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net