Elsie W. Ballew

1917 - 2016

Paducah

Ballew, Elsie W.,

98, of Paducah, died October 28, 2016 surrounded by her loved ones. Earlier in the week she had talked with many family and friends, visited with great grandchildren and held and petted her "granddogs."

Elsie was born November 2, 1917 in Brooklyn, New York of Russian Jewish immigrants, Aaron and Sarah Weintraub. She is preceded in death by her parents, her eight siblings, her husband, James Ellis Ballew (Trader Mike) and her sons, Leonard Ballew and Alan Ballew.

Elsie is survived by her four loving children, Joseph Ervin Ballew or Euless, Texas, Suzanne Ballew of Chicago, IL, Dr. Laurie Ballew (Joyce Sims) of Paducah, KY and Michael Ballew (Michele) of Boynton Beach, Fl; and three daughters-in-law, Phyllis Ballew of California, Terri Ballew of Symsonia, KY and E-Ling Ballew of Memphis, TN. Elsie has 17 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

Elsie grew up in Malden, Massachusetts and moved south when she married the love of her life, James "Ellis" Ballew. They were married 46 years until his death in 1983. When Elsie and Ellis and children moved to Paducah she became active in Temple Israel. She was involved in the women's organization, Temple Israel Sisterhood for many years, having served in the positions of secretary and president. Elsie loved the temple, its congregation and all it stood for in her Jewish faith.

More than anything, Elsie loved her children. She was always a devoted mother, supportive of her children, encouraging and proud of their lives and accomplishments. Elsie herself was an avid and knowledgeable reader, often reading four books per week. She felt that one of the greatest gifts she had was the joy of reading. Elsie was involved in the literacy program at the Paducah Public Library and helped to teach many adults to read.

One of the highlights of Elsie's life was when her daughter, Suzanne, took her to Israel for an 80th birthday present. Elsie loved her religion, was strong in her faith and the Israel trip was a glorious testament for her.

Elsie exemplified her faith. She was kind to the stranger, generous in deed and giving. She had many pets throughout the years after her children were grown and believed that animals should be treated with kindness and love. This was shown with the love of her own pets and her three granddogs, Toby, Jackie and Dottie.

Elsie loved and enjoyed being with her friends. She made great friends wherever she lived. Elsie moved to Louisville for a 10-year period to live with her daughters, Laurie and Joyce. During that time she made lasting friends with neighbors Buddy and Helen and friends at the Temple. She was involved in Cheveret Shalom (Circle of Friends) and Saturday morning Torah study. When Laurie and Joyce moved back home to Paducah, Elsie moved back home too, once again she was reacquainted with old friends and made new ones.

Elsie will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She had a dynamic and charming personality and usually "lit up the room."

We, her children, extend a special thank you on Elsie's behalf to her friends and the staff of Jackson Oaks, and most recently to the caring and loving staff at The Lakes of Paducah, Debbie Larson of Lourdes Hospice, and the kind and gentle caring of Dr. Richard Smith.

Funeral arrangements were coordinated and arranged by Herman Meyer Funeral Home of Louisville and Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah. Visitation will be held on Monday from 11am-2pm at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah immediately followed by graveside services at Temple Israel Cemetery with Rabbi David-Ariel Joel of Louisville officiating. A reception of remembrance and celebration will be held for family and friends at 4pm Monday at the Temple Israel Social Hall in Paducah.

In lieu of flowers please remember Elsie by donating to the Paducah Public Library, 555 Washington Street, Paducah, KY 42003, McCracken County Humane Society, 4000 Coleman Road, Paducah, KY 42001, Paralyzed Veterans of America, www.pva.org, or your own favorite charity.

You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com