BALBONI, Ruth M.

Ruth M. Balboni, age 86, of Goodyear, went to heaven on June 16, 2003. She lived in Boston, MA all her life and lived in Arizona since November 2002. She leaves her loving daughter Barbara Goodsell, six grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Gringa". Her outstanding sense of humor has endeared her to all who have ever known her. She loved her Boston Red Sox, but has adopted AZ Diamondbacks as her second team of choice. She was preceded in death by her daughter Helen Cioffi Cohen, who lovingly welcomed her to heaven. She will forever be in our hearts and memories till we meet with her again. Funeral arrangements by Valley West Funeral Chapel. Viewing from 6-8 on Thursday, June 19, 2003, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 918 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear. Funeral on Friday, June 20 at 9am, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. Burial at Phoenix Memorial Park, 200 W. Beardsley Rd. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions to Sun Health Hospice Care Services and Residence, 12740 N. Plaza del Rio Blvd., Peoria, AZ 85381. Arrangements by Valley West Funeral Chapel Goodyear. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/18/2003.