Pedro "Pete" Balli

Pedro "Pete" Balli, born April 10, 1923 in Olmito, Texas to Jose M. and Maria Concepcion (Naranjo) Balli, passed away Thursday, April 14 in Moses Lake. He is preceded in death by his parents, 11/2-year-old daughter Leticia Balli and infant son Joe M. Balli.

Pete spent his childhood in Olmito until he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1941 to 1942. He served in the Army from 1943 to 1946 and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor for his heroic actions while his unit crossed the Danube River under enemy fire.

Pete married the former Eva Vela on July 15, 1953 in Billings, Mont. He lived, and farmed, in Floydada, Texas until he relocated his family to Moses Lake in 1966. Pete worked as a machine operator for Burlington Northern Railroad for 23 years, until he retired in April 1988.

Pete is survived by his wife, Eva, of 52 years, seven children: Berta Balli of Walla Walla, Daisy A. Gallegos and husband Tim of Delta, Colo., Pete Balli and wife Elena of Brier, Abigail S. Balli of Las Vegas, Nev., Evelyn J. Balli of Columbia, S.C., Karen L. Hurley and husband Frank of Richland, Arthur S. Balli and wife Dina of Mount Vernon; two brothers: Nicolas Balli of Las Vegas, Nev. and Ramon Balli and wife Julie of Forth Worth, Texas; three sisters: Maria Concepcion Venable of Booneville, Ariz., Maria Dolores Anzaldua of Texas City, Texas and Maria Guadalupe Ramirez of San Antonio, Texas; eight grandchildren: Victoria Trujillo and husband Steve, Eugene J. Reyna and wife Leticia, Michael J. Trunkhill, Charlene Gallegos, Erica S. Rubio, Krystal A. Rubio, Victor Perches and Levi Braeden Hurley; one great-grandchild: Eugene Reyna and various nieces and nephews.

Pete thoroughly enjoyed gardening, wildlife, sports, the mountains, card games, music and going for rides.

His family and friends will hold the memories of his contagious laughter and sense of humor close to their hearts.