Brenda Thomas Balentine, 52, passed away Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010 in her home in South Bend.

She was born and raised in Niles. Brenda was a homemaker who enjoyed her soap operas and the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books. Most of all, she loved being with all her family when she could.

Brenda fought a courageous battle with cancer until our Lord took her home.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin, of 10 years; her mother, Imogene Thomas, of Niles; two sons, Chad and Shaun Hayes of Mishawaka and North Liberty, Ind.; two stepchildren, Johnnie and Dawn Balentine; six grandchildren, Rebecca Jordyn, Isaac, Troy, Xavier and Hanna; two sisters, Wilma Zimmerman and Kathy Thomas of Niles; two brothers, Danny and Randy Thomas of Three Rivers, Mich.; 12 nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harvel Thomas; a brother, Tommy Thomas; a grandson, Chad Edward Hayes Jr.; and a great-niece, Ava Zimmerman.

A memorial service will be at a later date.

“Her journey has just begun.”