Maxine Bally

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Maxine Jacobs Bally, fondly known as Micki, on February 7, 2025. Born on February 28, 1940, in Youngstown, Ohio, and a long-time resident of Columbus, Micki was a beacon of love and warmth for her family, friends, and countless people with whom she connected throughout her life.
Micki was also known as "Grammy" to her loving grandchildren, Jack and Jessica Solodar. If grand mothering were a sport, she would have been a world class contender. Micki had an innate talent and natural ability to teach and engage with children. She was able to share this gift as an elementary school teacher for several decades and always jumped at the chance to teach a child something new with fun-loving curiosity. Whether with her own grandchildren or any children, she brought enrichment and joy to many young lives.
Micki was passionate about connecting with friends and community. She cared dearly for her many, many friends who she talked to daily. She had a keen interest in the stock market, belonging to two stock clubs. Her involvement in the Jewish community and Temple Israel in Columbus was important to her as well. Micki and her late husband Jim also supported several organizations dedicated to serving people with disabilities, honoring her son Jason who was born with cerebral palsy.
She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Solodar and husband Michael; her grandchildren, Jack and Jessica Solodar; her sister-in-law, Helen Bally, and her nieces, Sasha Waters Freyer and Nell Waters. Micki was preceded in death by her husband, James Bally; her son, Jason Bally; her parents, Emil Jacobs and Lillian Union and her sister, Betty Gordon. As we mourn her loss and celebrate her life, we are reminded of the essence of Micki's life, filled with curiosity, kindness, and a loving heart.
A graveside service will be held in Micki's honor on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.
In Micki's memory, we invite you to share your stories, anecdotes, and upload pictures to her memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a comforting reminder of the loving and compassionate woman Micki was and the profound impact she had on everyone she met.