ISABELLE BALDERAS

Isabelle Christine Balderas, 21, passed away peacefully Monday at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Izzy was born March 31, 1997, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the beloved daughter of Enrique and Melinda Balderas, and big sister to Olivia "Pipsqueak" and Elena "Lena Baby" Balderas. Izzy was adored by many and she loved unconditionally each and every person who loved her in return. Despite battling congenital heart disease since birth, Izzy lived her life to the fullest. Her early years were particularly joyful as she basked in the love of so many people who celebrated her every moment. Izzy loved cuddling new babies, drawing, going to the movies with her sisters, spending quiet time with her grandmother and talking for hours with her mom, who was her best friend, and her dad, who was her hero. More than anything, Izzy just loved being with family. She looked forward to every visit and would light up when her cousins came into the room. Izzy was a warrior, who gracefully tackled every new stage of her illness, determined to spend more time with those who loved her. She also knew when she was ready to move on and she is now dancing, surfing and singing in heaven. Until they come together again, Izzy is survived by her parents, Enrique and Melinda, and her sisters, Olivia and Elena, all of Texarkana; her grandparents, Sandra Munoz of Texarkana, George and Joy Nellessen of Rio Rancho, New Mexico and Adolfo Balderas Hernandez and Maria Luisa Reyes Juarez of Morales, Guanajuato, Mexico, and so many aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at East Memorial Chapel - Moores Lane with Deacon David Fowler officiating. Family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Online tributes may be made at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.