She was born May 26, 1910 in Herington KS, the daughter of Vernon and Ellen Hood. She grew up and attended school in Herington, also enjoying many memorable times on the farm of her grandmother, Julia (Crough) Berigan, part of the Irish community at New Cambria and Solomon.

Her love for learning and special talent for teaching developed early. After graduation from Herington High School, Rose-Mary stayed with the family of her Aunt Minnie and Joe Burns, prominent citizens of Salina at that time. She studied both at Kansas Wesleyan and the newly founded Marymount College. In Salina she met Ellis Balaun. They were married Nov. 18, 1933, and made their family home in Salina until 1952. During that time she was primarily a homemaker, wife and mother, actively involved with her husband and seven children in Sacred Heart parish and school activities as well as cub scouts, 4H, and more.

In 1952 the Balauns moved from Salina in order for Ellis to pursue his career as an educator in the Kansas public school system. Rose-Mary was awarded her degree in elementary education at Kansas State University attending summer school there 1955 through 57. She taught for many years in small schools throughout the state retiring in 1972.

After retiring she and Ellis returned to Salina and she became involved again in community activities at Sacred Heart. She was a member of the Ladies Guild and Catholic Daughters, serving as Regent, and especially enjoyed quilting with other ladies of the church.

Rose-Mary was widowed in 1983. She remained in her home in Salina for the rest of her life, pursuing her many interests and hobbies, including quilting and other needlework, flower gardens, geneology and antiques. She followed K-State and KU Sports, as well as Royals baseball. She always delighted in visiting with friends and relatives --and especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a sister, Carmelita (Hood) Terrell of Newark, Delaware; six children, Joe Balaun of Westford VT, John Balaun of Evergreen CO, Margaret Stearns of Newfane VT, Ralph Balaun of Marysville KS, Paul Balaun of Neosha MO, and Rose Anne Balaun of Salina; fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis, and her son, Bill.

The Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N. Ninth St., with Father Allen Scheer officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina. Vigil and rosary service will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina 67401. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral and Immaculate Conception Parish and Cemetery of Solomon in care of the Ryan Mortuary.