LORRAYNE (ROTTER) BALSITIS

Oct. 10, 1925–July 10, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother/grandmother, Lorrayne Balsitis. Lorrayne lived a long fulfilled life and passed peacefully at home in Reno, Texas, surrounded by family at the age of 98, on July 10, 2024.

Lorrayne is preceded in death by her husband, Vincent J. Balsitis (2017); two grandchildren, Jameson N. Davis and Trevor Lee McCauley; her parents, John and Lucretia (Branscom) Rotter; and six half brothers and four half sisters (White/Rotter families).

She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Kaupp and husband Michael, and Bonnie McCauley and Patricia Davis; grandsons and their wives, Daniel Kaupp (Juliet), Paul Kaupp (Kimberly), Troy McCauley (Tammy) and Adam McCauley (Kendra); 18 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lorrayne’s parents married and moved from Cambria, Wyoming, in 1924 to Salt Creek, Wyoming, where she was born the following year. At the age of 4, the family made its way back to Newcastle, Wyoming, and in 1931 they moved into the house her grandfather, Geo. R. Branscom, owned on Upper Cambria Street.

Lorrayne graduated from Newcastle High School in 1944. After graduation she moved to Long Beach, California, where her and her niece lived at the YWCA.

She was asked to go on a blind date with a young man in the service who, after time ,turned out to be the love of her life — she married Vince on March 7, 1947. They raised their children in Long Beach, then they moved to California City, California, in 1968. Both were involved and volunteered in many of the town’s organizations and clubs during their 50-plus years living there. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary together in 2017.

In September 2022, she moved to Reno, living with her oldest daughter Cheryl until she passed.

The date, location and time of services will be announced at later date. Interment will take place at the California City Memorial Park.