Mary Jean Wallace

On September 1, 2021, the world lost a beautiful soul. Mary Jean Wallace passed from this earth after a long, brave, and hard-fought battle with multiple medical issues. She was born in Oklahoma City on November 1, 1947, as the eighth child of Paul and Keo Balkenbush. Mary was such a light in the lives of all those around her. She attended Bishop John Carroll School and Bishop McGuinness High School and went on to business college after graduation. She held several positions during her career, her last one being employed by the State of Oklahoma.Mary was always the first one to want to help others in any way that she could and would rally others to jump in and help also. She loved her family and friends fiercely and was always ready with a hug, a big smile and a warm welcome. She spent 55 years married to the love of her life, Bob, and they cherished every second they had together. They went on many adventures together including cruises to Alaska and Jamaica, many cross-country car trips taking in all the sites and of course, leaving as much money as possible at all the local (and Vegas) casinos! She did love to play the slots! She loved nothing more than to be around her family and friends, where laughter and joking around were usually the order of the day. She was always willing to lend you her ear AND her opinion, which made her the perfect blend of sweet and sassy. We wouldn't have wanted her any other way!Mary is survived by her husband, Bob of Edmond; daughter, Angie Erbst and son-in-law Scott Erbst of Edmond; son, Dr. Michael Wallace and daughter-in-law Kim of Edmond; as well as her five grandchildren: Ty, Keegan, Libby, Olivia and Noah. She is also survived by sisters, Jane Best and Judy Hanneman; brothers, Joe Balkenbush and Jim Balkenbush, all of Oklahoma City area; as well as many, many extended family. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Keo Balkenbush; two sisters, June Balkenbush and Sarah Ashcraft; and one brother, Jay Balkenbush.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Oklahoma Leukemia & Lymphoma Society www.lls.org.An evening prayer service will be held 6:30 PM Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the Smith & Kernke N. May Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Friday, September 10, 2021 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Mary will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Jones IOOF Cemetery. Livestream of both services available via View Funeral Service tab located below Mary's obituary.