Emma Balas of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan died suddenly at her home on Sunday, January 16, 2011. She was 73 years of age. Emma was born to George and Veronica Herback at Mankota, Saskatchewan on February 21, 1937. She lived on a farm near Mankota for a few years then moved to Aneroid, Regina and eventually back to Aneroid where she completed her schooling. In November 1953, she married Gus Balas of Aneroid. They lived in Aneroid for a short period of time during which their first child, Greg, was born. In 1953 Emma and Gus purchased the William Van Allen farm south of Shaunavon. Daughter, Charlene, and son, Lawrence, were born in Shaunavon in 1956 and 1958 respectively. Life on the farm was a challenge as Emma and Gus were making a brand new start. The work that needed to be done seemed at times overwhelming, but they worked hard to remodel the old farmhouse, raise livestock, grow grain and raise a family, sometimes in harsh conditions. Coal for cooking and heating and water from the pump well were the norm until electricity came to the farm in 1961. Things got easier from there. Emma grew to love the various components of rural life, embracing the connection to the farming life and providing an integral cog to the operation of the farm. She was extremely interested in and efficient with all aspects of agriculture. She enjoyed social events with neighbours and curled in the Farm Fun League in Shaunavon. In 1984 Emma and Gus moved to live in Shaunavon where they resided until their passing. While in Shaunavon, Emma established an extensive social network which included bowling, bingo and many friends with whom she communicated daily. She soon became a valued and respected member of the community. She worked as Lounge Manager for the Shaunavon Elks Club for a few years. Her house and yard in town were of great pride to her and she worked hard to keep them in immaculate shape while still maintaining close ties to the farm. She loved calving time, brandings and harvest. In recent years she loved Farmville, an internet activity which simulates the many aspects of agriculture. Her family meant the world to her and she cherished every moment of the contacts and visits with them. She was so proud of their triumphs and accomplishments and was a pillar of support whenever needed. Her memory will be cherished and she will be missed by all. Emma leaves to mourn her son Greg (Donna) of Medicine Hat and their children Donovan (Kylie) and Dara (Dan); daughter Charlene Speirs of Calgary and her children Richalene and Evan (Stephanie), great grandson Chase and great granddaughter Ashlynn; and son Lawrence (Linda) of Shaunavon and their children Landon (Nicole), great grandson Jory and great granddaughters Randi McCuaig and Lea McCuaig; Chalynn and Blake. She is also survived by five Herback brothers, Tony (Gil) of Regina, Albert (Marilyn) of Calgary, Larry (Mavis) of Chilliwack, Alois (Gail) of Calgary and Lorne (Heather) of Regina, brothers-in-law Don Balas (Laura) of Aneroid, Edwin Wasmuth of North Battleford and sister-in-law Ethel Woolger of Lloydminster. She was predeceased by her husband Gus in 2008, her parents George and Veronica, brother Luke and his wife Shirley, father and mother-in-law Gustav and Vilma Balas, sisters-in-law Wilma Harris and Louise Wasmuth and brother-in-law Lloyd Balas. Funeral Services were held from Christ the King R. C. Church in Shaunavon on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Father John Mock officiating. The eulogy was presented by Alois Herback and special music was provided by Nicole Hanson. Cremation preceded the service. Binkley's Funeral Service of Shaunavon (www.Binkleys.com) was in charge of the arrangements. For those wishing, memorial donations may be made to Christ the King R. C. Church or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan in care of Binkley's Funeral Service. Honorary Pallbearers were her brothers Tony Herback, Albert Herback, Larry Herback, Alois Herback and Lorne Herback. Pallbearers were all her grandchildren Donovan Balas, Richalene Speirs, Evan Speirs, Dara Cox, Landon Balas, Chalynn Balas and Blake Balas.