Nellie Grace Russell Ballard

July 12, 2015

Nellie Grace Russell Ballard, age 77, of Berrydale, Florida entered Heaven’s gate on July 10, 2015, after a brief illness with COPD. Nell was born July 1, 1938, in Miami, Florida to Hurbert “Bo” and Margaret “Mag” Russell. She graduated from Jay High School at the age of 16 and then graduated with her Associates in Science Degree from Graceland College in Lamoni Iowa May 2, 1957. After graduation, she married Silas Ballard of Lamoni on June 2, 1957, and they moved to Berrydale (Jay) Florida and began their family.

Nell is proceeded in death by her parents, Bo and Maggie Russell; infant siblings, Wade Durrell and Doris Elaine; and a stillborn, premature son, Kenneth.

Nell is survived by her children; Myrna (Lynn) Cobb of Jay, Peggy Melton of Rock Hill, South Carolina (companion Bert Settle of Jay), and Keith Ballard of Louisiana; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Erik (Tori) Cobb, Peighton and Jansen, Erin (Tonya) Cobb, Micala, Caden, and Kerrigan, Kendell (Andrew) Teague, Hamilton, Presley Melton, and Silas Ballard (his mother Debbie Sturm). Nell is also survived by her sister, Margaret Calhoun; her brother, Sid (Leanne) Russell; one nephew and three nieces. She is also survived by her special aunt, Becky Pugh of Milton as well as numerous cousins.

Nell held various jobs throughout her lifetime. She was a homemaker. She worked for the Monsanto Company. She was a substitute teacher and substitute bus driver for the SRC, before starting a career as a rural letter carrier in the Milton Post Office in 1972 where she retired April 30, 1997, after 25 years of service. Nell also was a caregiver to residents of the Jay area.

Nell was saved in the spring of 2001 and was baptized, joining Berrydale Baptist Church, July 29, 2001. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and volunteering at her church.

Her hobbies included crocheting, cross stitching and researching and compiling her family’s genealogy records. Nell was also an avid sports fan.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 7 p.m.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Jeff Kelley, the staff of Jay Hospital, the staff of Century Care Rehabilitation Center, and Covenant Hospice for their compassion and professionalism in attending to their mother’s needs.

Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries