Bette Jean Balmer, born on November 16,1952, peacefully passed away on July 4, 2024, at her mountain-top home surrounded by loved ones. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and compassion that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Bette often quoted, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Her life was overwhelmingly rich because of the vast community of meaningful relationships. Among the most important things in her life was her beloved husband Ken Balmer, with whom she shared 48 years of marriage filled with devotion, joy, and adventures that took them all over the world. She was a loving mother to Matthew Balmer, wife Aubrey, and grandmother to their son Breck. She was also the cherished mother of Megan Neubauer, spouse Alan Neubauer, and loving grandmother to Kylie and Amelia.

Throughout her life, Bette embodied the spirit of Christ as a social worker, and later as a facilitator of grief support groups helping people in the midst of their hardest times. She had the gift of making people smile. Her gentle presence and unwavering faith were sources of strength and inspiration to everyone who met her.

Bette Jean Balmer will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her loving heart, her steadfast faith, and her dedication to her family.

Bette would encourage you to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, and seek God's will that is so uniquely yours. (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18).

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 12 at 4 p.m at Discover Church. Pastor Mark Balmer will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers: The family requests donations be sent to The Hospice House Foundation of WNC (www.hhfwnc.org).

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.