March 26, 1925 - March 9, 2025
Visitation
Tuesday, March 11th from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church
Service
Tuesday, March 11th 12 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church
Burial
Africa Cemetery
Phyllis Mae Kerschbaum Bale, age 99, went home to her Lord on Sunday, March 9, 2025. She was born March 26,1925 in Middletown, Ohio to the late Helen Hincks Kerschbaum and Ralph Andrew Kerschbaum and was a sister to the late Robert Kerschbaum. Phyllis was blessed with the opportunity to enjoy activities such as dance, swimming, elocution, soccer, basketball, and academics in her youth. Later, she worked at Armco Steel to support the war effort and received a degree in Social Work at The Ohio State University. Phyllis married Warren Eugene Bale on June 25, 1949 and raised 4 children: Thomas Bale, David Bale (Lisa), Beth Bale Wenner (Kevin), and Richard Bale (Patricia). She was a third-grade teacher at Big Walnut Elementary and participated in church activities such as quilting. Phyllis truly enjoyed her 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren E. Bale and one granddaughter, Elissa Bale. A service will be held for Phyllis on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church, 15370 Meredith State Rd., Sunbury, OH 43074 at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Benjamin Meyer officiating. Visitation will be held at the same location from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Internment following the service at Africa Cemetery, 5201 South Old State Rd., Lewis Center, OH 43035. Arrangements provided by Moreland Funeral Home.
Condolences
Kevin Hall - Mar 14, 2025
It is a real blessing when one has only very nice memories of someone else , throughout one’s life, as I do with Mrs. Bale. There are way too many fond memories of “Mrs. Bale”, (as I addressed her in accordance with my upbringing) of her fixing Dave and Tom and I meals after I’d hiked across the fields for a hard afternoon of war-playing or some ball-playing in their yard and around the barn at the old farm on Africa Rd. ( I learned to do their chores well enough that the Bales trusted me to take care of them while they were on vacation a couple summmers, including milking their cow. ) I saw her as a great Mom like I’d had too as she was always involved with her kids. When giving one of the guys a birthday party, I remember being impressed that she’d driven the tractor giving a bunch of us a hay-wagon ride back to the woods where we played around the fox dens there. My art appreciation was definitely enhanced when Mrs Bale regaled us with her memory of her and Mr. Bale’s attendance at the movie “West Side Story”. It seems like she danced around the living room singing along with the album she’d bought (vinyl of course) and played for us, but her enjoyment telling us of it probably just made it seem so. Many a time I enjoyed meals in the new kitchen at the second farm after driving the old family Ford across the creek. Dave, Tom and I would sit there while she would give in and start laughing at the silly fantasies we concocted, until she’d bring us to laughter as her laughter deteriorated to snorts, which caused more hilarity. As we celebrated our 50th Anniversary this last year, I recalled our 25th when my wife and I invited family and just a very few friends that were mainly the Bales, and Mrs. Bale did us the honor of graciously attending. One of the best remembrances was my last visit with her in that kitchen when she was living alone but very close to most of her children. It was then that I spoke of my Christian faith and Mrs Bale had spoken of her own faith. I had become a man of faith just as I’d started college and had learned over the years of the joy one has when one recognizes another believer’s real faith. I’m confident that her witness of her faith in the Lord Jesus, comforts her family, as only He can. I’m so glad for these memories.
Kathryn Snead - Mar 11, 2025
Bill and I send our sincere sympathy on the passing of Phyllis. In our many years as members of Grace Lutheran, Westerville, we have lasting happy memories of time shared with the Bale family in the service and worship of our Lord and Savior. Wishing you all peace and comfort during this sad time.
Linda and Tom Seamon - Mar 11, 2025
We send our sincere condolences to the Bale family. We will always remember and cherish the service and mentorship that Phillis and Warren game to many of us at Grace Lutheran in Westerville. You will always be remembered as a faithful servant of our Lord.
J. H. Jones - Mar 11, 2025
I offer my heartfelt condolences to you and your loved one, Phyllis. During this challenging time, you may find comfort in knowing your loved one is at peace. I hope you can find the strength and courage to cherish the precious memories you shared