Vicky Sidwell Balich, 81 passed away in Austin, TX a day shy of her 82^nd birthday.  She had fought a valiant and lengthy battle with Parkinson’s.  Vicky is survived by her loving family – daughter, Kelly and her husband Jarret Gross and Olivia (19) and Hudson (17)all of Austin, TX, son, Tyler Balich and his wife Wynema and Finnley (13) and Murphee (11) of Coeur d’Alene ID, sister Jean and her husband George Stracy of Denver, CO, sister-in-law and partner in crime Alice Sidwell of Denver, CO, brother John Sidwell and his wife Paula Marcinko of Sandpoint, ID, sister-in-law Linda Balich-Wojahn and her husband Perry Knetter of Roseau, MN, brother-in-law Robert Balich of Roundup, MT, niece Toni and her husband Scot Bonenberger and their two children, Samantha and Seth of Billings, MT, nephew Rob and his wife Ling Balich of Loveland, CO, niece Lindsay and her husband Charles Heath and their children, Savanah and Clancy of Roseau, MN, niece Josie and her children, Brooklyn and Barron of Roseau, MN.  She was preceeded in death by her parents Howard and Patricia and older brother Howard “Butch” Sidwell all of Denver, CO.

Vicky was someone who touched people everywhere she went and has an incredible number of friends, family who loved her so very much.  Vicky was born in Liberal, Kansas and then with her family moved to Denver, CO where she grew up and attended East High School in Denver, CO (class of 1958), Stevens College in Columbia, MO and University of Colorado in Boulder, CO (class of 1962) where she was also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.  Vicky began her career as a teacher and was beloved by so many during her time teaching Kindergarten in Bakersfield, CA.  There she met her lifelong friend Alisa “Petie” Strang.  Vicky decided and proposed to Petie that they move to Alaska on a whim and see how it goes for 1year.  Vicky lived in Alaska for over 30years.  She taught school in Anchorage (Northwood Elementary) and also travelled through out the Alaskan Bush teaching school to children in the Native Alaskan Villages.  Vicky met her husband, Michael and raised her children in Alaska.  Vicky also was a very successful businesswoman in Anchorage, a PTA President, an active member of the Anchorage Petroleum Wives Club, an active member of St. Johns United Methodist Church, and was very active in Anchorage community.  In 1999, Vicky moved to Portland, Oregon to live near her daughter Kelly and her family. Vicky’s sister-in-law Alice drove with her out of Alaska to Oregon as well as when Vicky moved from Oregon to Texas – think “Thelma and Louise.” Vicky was a very active and proud grandmother whom all affectionately referred to her as Mimi.  She loved volunteering at her grandchildren’s school assisting in the classroom and especially with the Art program.  In 2015, Vicky moved to Austin, TX to be with Kelly, Jarret, Olivia & Hudson. Vicky loved to travel as well.  She travelled across the United States and travelled internationally including a trip to the 1964 Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria.  She also travelled later in life on a trip to Greece and Turkey that she loved so very much. 

Vicky had an incredible way to befriend so many different people.  Her beloved “Valentines” a group of Alaskan moms who were best friends travelled every year for nearly 30years celebrating their friendship.  The Valentines lived in the Western US and always made such an effort to be together every year.  They laughed, cried, supported and loved each other so very much. Vicky loved a good party too.  She even celebrated her 60^th Birthday with Bowzer dancing or as she would say “Schuckin’ and jivin’” Living in Alaska, typically your immediate family is not close so making friends and her Alaskan Family was such a huge part of her life all the way throughout her life.  Her dear friends the Smith Family left Alaska shortly before Vicky moved to Oregon and in 2015, when Vicky moved to Austin, TX were able to reconnect our families and continue over 40year traditions of celebrating Thanksgiving and other holidays, birthdays and any other reason to celebrate.  Vicky also had a passion for music.  She would always love to listen to beautiful, fun, happy, soothing music.  Even in her last days, she was comforted by listening to music.

Vicky was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016.  Parkinson’s was not an easy battle for her (or anyone).  The “Long Goodbye” as they say is a true testament to the journey Vicky faced.  She fought with her entire body and soul but as we all know, God’s plan is His and His alone.  She accepted that and was happy to be welcomed Home into Heaven.  She was incredibly supported by her family and friends throughout this difficult time and at the end she was so tired and ready to be with Our Heavenly Father and find peace for her body and mind.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, November 19 at 1pm in Austin, TX.  The services will be held at Austin Ridge Bible Church (9300 Bee Caves Rd., Austin, TX 78733). A reception will follow immediately at the home of Kelly & Jarret Gross.  More details will follow.