Iris Balto

Iris Violet Balto went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 22, 2021. Vi (Vickie to her family) was born on September 27, 1938, in Salinas, Puerto Rico and has spent the last 25 years residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Vi spent most of her life living in Manhattan and Staten Island, New York. Vi devoted her life to Christ and showed His love to many people along life’s path. She left an indelible mark on all those whom she loved. Her zest for life, devotion to her friends and family, willingness to take one under her wings, and selfless hospitality have been a constant in her life. For many years, Vi and her husband, Paul, opened their home to missionaries, pastors, and the wayward needing a fresh start. Her ministry of loving fiercely, with compassion, feeding and counseling were above and beyond the call of duty. For all those whom Vi has ministered, a great void will be left.

Her heart was always for the young women in her life. She was affectionately referred to as Mama Vi, TiTi Vickie, Mimi, and just plain Vi. Vi leaves behind her loving husband of 28 years Paul Balto, and her baby sister Jennie Gleason, son Andrew and wife Cathy, son Danny and wife Linda, grandchildren Marissa, Krista, Anna, and Brian Balto, brother-in-law Andrew Balto and sister-in-law Edisa Suarez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Tiburcio and Juanita Suarez, her beloved sister Edna Rivera, and brothers Elmer and August Suarez.

Proverbs 31:29-31 “Many women do noble things but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is the be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. with Celebration of Life Service at 2:30 p.m. conducted by Pastor Joseph Vosberg of Bethel Church. Interment will follow. Friends and family are welcome to sign the guestbook at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com