Sherry Stiles Ballard

Sherry Susan Stiles Ballard passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the age of 76, surrounded by her favorite daughters. She enjoyed a good life (she would say great) and was definitely a people person. She loved time with her family and friends and was always ready to go- whether it was to dinner (especially if there were margaritas), on a trip (destination didn’t really matter), to a parade, or even just to the living room to cheer on the LSU Tigers. Her adventurous spirit resulted in trips across the U.S., a plethora of trips to Guatemala where she built generational friendships (one of her best friend’s children and her daughters still get together), and even a trip to Europe chaperoning students with her Aunt Kat Carsey.

She got her degree in teaching from LSU and taught in Montegut and Baton Rouge before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She volunteered at school during these years and was a great cheerleader supporting her daughters in their endeavors. She returned to the workforce later as a Mineral Lease Technician for the State of Louisiana. When her grandkids were younger, she would work a 4-day workweek so she could watch them on what became known as Marvelous Mimi Mondays. The girls didn’t like nap time, but Brukie would sneak them out for ice cream when Mimi wasn’t looking. She probably used nap time as an excuse to read- which was another favorite activity of hers. She will be remembered for her smile, her laugh, and her loving personality by so many people and sorely missed by those she left behind including Brandy Rush (Brendan), Burgundy Cummings (Paul), Jackson Cummings, Riley Rush, Camille Cummings, Reagan Rush, her aunt and uncle, and her siblings. We know she’s having a great reunion with her husband of over 50 years, Bruce Ballard, her parents, Hugh and June Stiles, and lots of close friends who went before her. We can probably hear them cutting up already if we listen closely. The family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living. Even though she was there a relatively short amount of time, they were always trying to do special things to make her feel as special as she was. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society, Blood Cancer United, St Jude, The Hospice of Baton Rouge, or any organization of your choosing. Enjoy life and raise a margarita glass to our best Mom and Mimi.

A memorial gathering will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 10am to 2pm.