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Mary Jane Ballard

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Mary Ballard Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 27, 2024.

Mary Jane Ballard, born September 18, 1954, passed away on March 23, 2024, surrounded by family. She was the beloved daughter of Francis "Peggy" Conklin French and Perry S French, Jr. Mary was first married to Kenton Ellison, with whom she had a daughter Toni. Despite their divorce, they remained good friends until Kenton's death in 2021. Mary found love again with Gary Ballard and they were united in marriage in 1985. This union gave Mary a bonus daughter, Ann, whom she loved like her own. Gary was truly the love of her life and she was heartbroken upon his passing in 2013.

Mary had a fulfilling career working at Walter Lawsons Children's Home, various home health agencies, and doing alterations. She saw the good in everything. Always wanting to help people and especially animals. In her free time, Mary enjoyed sewing, gardening, baking and spending time with her family. She also loved seeing and spending time with her Grandpups and they were always excited to see her too. Rock Cut State Park was her happy place. It started when she was younger going to their family cabin. She later shared her love of Rock Cut with Gary and their daughters. They would spend time hiking, fishing, picnics and camping. Mary was excited to carry on the tradition with her grandchildren. Even with Mary's Alzheimer diagnosis, she found peace and comfort at Rock Cut State Park.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Toni (Dan) Herhold, stepdaughter Ann (Mike) Rayborn, grandchildren Mercedes Herhold, Kirstyn Becker, Kayla Sterkeson, Trevor Salisbury, siblings Perry J (Sandy) French, Joyce (Frank) Jurasek, David (Debra) French, Dean (Betty) French, Marti (Robert) Maravich, many nieces, nephews, close nephew David "Matt" French and special friend Lynn Doolittle. Predeceased by her niece Telquila Jones.

Special thank you to the staff at Lincolnshire Place for caring for her like family.

There will be no services. Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the Alzheimer's Association to support the fight against this disease. We would love for you to walk with us this year. Join our team or donate in her memory http://act.alz.org/goto/InMemoryofMary

The Cremation Society of Illinois in Rockford, IL, is assisting the family.

Mary will be fondly remembered for her funny, kind, generous, loving nature. She had the best sense of humor and loved making silly faces. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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Recent Activity

March 29, 2024

Jazmyn posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2024

Lynn Doolittle posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2024

Toni Herhold posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Jazmyn

March 29, 2024

my best memory was when we went to the drive through safari (zoo) had us laughing all day, and a messy car

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Lynn Doolittle

March 27, 2024

Toni, Dan, Mercedes, Ann, Mike, Kirstyn, Kayla, Trevor and Mary's siblings and family,
My heart breaks for you all! Mary was such a great mom, grandma, sibling and friend to so many! Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. Mary loved you all so much! It was such a blessing to not only receive that love but to be witness to that love.
My life was blessed the day Mary and I started our friendship at Walter Lawson's Children's Home in the late 1980's. We became fast friends as we had so many things in common- our love for our families, the kids at Lawson's and animals, the outdoors, crafts, shopping, funny things, joking around- the list goes on and on. We loved drinking coffee or sun tea and talking for hours on end either in person or on the phone. Mary was a devoted friend and was always so good to me. I enjoyed the times our families would share together and loved watching Toni and Ann grow. Mary was my rock, especially when it came to caring for not only my other two children but to our son, Jordan, who has multiple disabilities and medical concerns. I always knew they were in great hands with Mary. We shared so many memories- both good and bad. Gary's cancer diagnosis and passing was a really tough one. I know he had his Gold Wing gassed up and ready for him to take Mary for a heavenly ride upon her passing Saturday night. I would imagine that after that Gary and Dave (Dan's dad) were wanting Mary to make them one of her famously delicious meals, complete with dessert to which Dave would eat first! I will miss you my beautiful, fast and forever friend! Death will never come between the love and appreciation for each other we had!
I hold you all in my thoughts and prayers (especially you Toni! It was such a great joy to witness your devotion to each other! I know how much you'll miss your mom!)! Heaven has gained one great lady!