Kay Arlene Balling Porter

Our beautiful mother, Kay Arlene Balling Porter, 82, passed away May 8, 2024 in Preston, Idaho. Arlene was born in Logan, Utah to Beth and Arnold Balling on October 4, 1941. She had an older sister Judy whom she enjoyed her whole life and considered a good friend. Mom was born into an adventurous family. She enjoyed wild jeep rides up Logan Canyon and special dates with her daddy to the Logan Roller Rink. One of her fondest adventures was whisker pie attacks from Grandpa Nephi. 

When mom was sixteen years old she was set up on a blind date with Terry Porter. He was immediately smitten. Mom ended up waiting for dad while he served an LDS mission. They were married on November 18, 1960 in the Logan LDS Temple. They wasted no time in starting their family. Less than one year later Tara Kay was born. Thirteen months later Jody joined the family and two years later came Jamie. Mom and dad were persistent in having a baby boy and without success Tonya was born four years later. Their prized son Zane finally arrived and feeling certain that they would have another son, they brought Autumn into the family. This finished up a spunky bunch of kids. 

Growing up with Mom was usually a joy and once in awhile a little bit scary. Wooden spoons, a robust yelling voice and sitting at the table for hours to finish off a serving of brussel sprouts or turnips. 

Mom made birthdays and holidays special and we always enjoyed and looked forward to them.  Sometimes it was the matching outfits, pj’s and loopy slippers she made us and always the fun and the memories we shared together. Mom had a way of expressing her love through the meals she cooked and the desserts and goodies she made. 

When grandchildren started arriving mom was always eager to move in for a week to cook, clean and give that baby its first bath. She spent countless hours tying quilts, crocheting baby blankets and burp cloths, many of which were donated to the hospital. Mom made sure we all felt her love by the service she gave us. She was always eager and willing to tend grandkids and great-grandkids for hundreds of hours. Most of that time was enjoyed by mom and the kids. 

Dad built mom her dream home in Riverdale, Idaho on the pond several years ago. She enjoyed countless hours watching the grandkids catching the turtles, ice skating and sledding on the pond. She also enjoyed watching the birds all around the pond. Usually there were horses to watch as well as a few other mangy critters and the birds that frequented her bird feeders. 

Mom was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. She loved teaching primary and enjoyed her time serving as Compassionate Service Coordinator. She loved the people she served as well as the people she served with. She also loved the people she came to know and serve through her work at OP Skaggs and the Upstairs Restaurant. A highlight of this was working with Zane, Jamie (for about a week), Tonya and Autumn. 

Mom taught us the importance of hard work, cooking a good meal, keeping a clean house and serving and supporting others. Her later years were enjoyed by supporting grandkids and great-grandkids whether just in the yard, on a paddle boat, the crazy slide or a ballgame. There was always a puzzle on the counter which she welcomed and expected the grandkids to come help get that darn thing done! 

Mom we love you and will miss you. 

Arlene is survived by her children, Tara (Pete) Bellender; Jody (Bret) Rasmussen; Jamie (Steve) Stevens; Tonya (Rob) Weston; Zane (Danielle) Porter, Autumn (Dick) Coates; 21 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; her sister Judy Sargent. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Terry;  a granddaughter, Stevie Lee; her in-laws Nahum and Fonnete Porter; and a close friend Lyle Saxton. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Riverdale 2^nd Ward Chapel, 3562 N. 1600 E. Preston, Idaho.  Viewings will be held on Sunday from 6-8 pm at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E. Preston, Idaho and again prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Riverdale Idaho Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

Services will be streamed live and can be viewed by clicking on the following link:  https://youtube.com/live/REmd6abEFfU?feature=share