M. Opal Ballard

M. Opal Ballard, 94, of Springfield died at Lewis Memorial Christian Village two days short of her 95th birthday, at 1:37 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2008. She was born June 9, 1913 in Montgomery County, IL, the daughter of Emezire and Vina Lovegrove Brown. She married Melvin E. Ballard on November 20, 1937 in St. Louis, MO. He preceded her in death in 1993. Opal was a homemaker and childcare provider to many of her friends and family. Opal was a very loving mother and grandmother who always gave from her heart and who taught her family to have compassion and empathy for others. She lived her life putting God and family first, and was always there for everyone. She was preceded in death by her brother, Virgil Brown; three sisters, Verna Smothers, Verla Murkin, and Lela Ishmael; her daughter Betty Brown; and her grandson Troy Kluge. She is survived by six daughters, Joyce (husband, Richard) Stults of Mechanicsburg, Beverly Kluge (husband, Charles) Gilbert of Springfield, Shirley (husband, Richard) Gudgel of Springfield, Judy (husband, Larry) Long of Springfield, Barbara Hart (husband, Richard) Stanton of Springfield, Elaine (husband, Richard) Vogt of Sherman; two sons, Melvin (wife, Glenna) Ballard of Chatham, Jerry Ballard of Springfield; twenty-seven grandchildren; forty-seven great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 5:00 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral ceremonies will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield with Pastor Bill Cash officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, Springfield Office, 6 Drawbridge Rd., Ste. 4, Springfield, IL 62704.