Mary Esther Balenko-Tucker

Mary Esther Jones Balenko Tucker was born April 28, 1942 in Ada, OK to Ruth Murphy Jones and James Oscar Jones. She passed peacefully on October 26, 2026 in Little Rock, AR after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Kimmel Michael Jones (Chandler, AZ), her late husband, Harold Edmond Tucker, and son-in-law, Chris Wren.

She is survived by her children, Christina Balenko Wren of Little Rock and Mike Balenko (Boundy) of Russellville; step-children, Kelly Tucker (Beverly) and Susan Blue (Randy); grandchildren, Maryevalyn Wren Utley (Jake), Jak Wren (Elle), Chloe Wren McLeod (Keith), Lillie Wren Leo (Blake), David Balenko, and Sarah Balenko; and great-grandchildren, Asher Leo, Maddox and George McLeod, and August Utley.

She spent her life devoted to education as a reading specialist and elementary school teacher, leaving a legacy of lifelong learners in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Friday, November 6, 2026 at Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock. Visitation will be at noon and funeral at 1:00pm, followed by a family graveside service.