Jeanette M. Ballard

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1937, she married her beloved husband, Galen; with whom she shared almost 60 years of marriage before he passed away in 1998.

She attended Rockford Central High School and worked briefly at different jobs but spent most of her life being an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She resided at Valley View apartments for over 32 years, where she had many friends and loved helping with the coffee hour and decorating tables in the social room among other activities. She loved shopping and traveling; and went on many bus trips with the Golden Agers, but her greatest joy was when her family would get together.

Survivors include her son, Ronald (Drue); daughters, Sandra (Robert) Stierman, and Susan Vierck; daughter-in-law, Pattylynn Ballard of Minnesota; 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 8 great, great, grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Galen; son, Randy; granddaughter, Amy; great granddaughter, Michelle; brother, Harold; and sister, Margaret.

Special thanks go to her granddaughter, Gail Daer, and her great granddaughter, Cassandra Daer, for their love and care of her toward the end of her life.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 15, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road, Rockford at 11 o’clock with visitation at 10 o’clock, and a luncheon after the service. Pastors William Ward and Bradley Rogers will officiate. A memorial is being established in her honor. Online condolences may be submitted at sunsetfhmemgardens.com