Alva Faye Thompson Balden

An independent contractor for Capital City Press, she died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. She was born Jan. 17, 1927, and a lifetime resident of Baton Rouge. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Cathy and Howard Kidder and Trudy and Paul Henry Demouy; and a loving brother, Kelvin L. Thompson, of Mobile, Ala. She is also survived by grandchildren, Marja Porteous and husband John, Trent Kidder, Travis Kidder, Megan Demouy and Taylor Kidder and wife Amanda; a great-grandson, Brodie John Porteous, and due in less than a week, great-granddaughter, Ava Marie Kidder; a nephew, Brad Thompson; and a niece, Stephanie Kovac Thompson. Preceded in death by her husband or 51 years, James "Hank" Balden; parents, Thyra Hebert Thompson and Norman Ernest Thompson; son, Ronald James Balden; and grandson, Howard "Trey" Kidder III. She lived her life for her husband, children and grandchildren. She adored her puppy, Claire, and enjoyed rides with her son-in-law, Howard, around City Park lakes. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Friday from 9 a.m. until Mass at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Miles Walsh, celebrant. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Trent Kidder, Travis Kidder, Taylor Kidder, John Porteous, Brad Thompson and John Robert Jones.