North Santa Rosa

Nellie Grace Russell Ballard

Nellie Grace Russell Ballard age 77 of Berrydale, Florida entered heavens 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, 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. Her 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, Florida; as well as, numerous cousin.

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 and retired April 30, 1997 after twenty five 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 6-7 pm at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 7:00 pm.

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.

Posted by on Jul 13 2015. Filed under Local, Obits. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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