Sueann M. Ballain

Sueann M. Ballain, age 65, of Hermitage, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, after a long, hard battle with End Stage Renal Disease. She is survived by her loving husband, David, of over 30 years; mother, Nancy (Haidacher) Patzelt; beloved brother, Louis Patzelt; and nephew, Andrew Patzelt. She is preceded in death by her father, Alfred Patzelt; and brother, David Patzelt.

Born in Chicago, IL, since age of 10, Sueann mostly grew up in the Panama Canal Zone. She graduated Balboa High School in 1977 and lived in Panama, working as a Civil Servant for the US Government until 1996. She continued her Civil Servant career when she returned to the US with her Air Force husband to Patrick AFB, FL followed by Schriever AFB, CO where she retired from the Missile Defense Agency in 2013. Relocating again for the Air Force, they returned to Florida, this time to MacDill AFB. Sueann volunteered her time at the local FL Sherriff Dept performing extensive research to assist with closing outstanding cases. In 2023, they moved to Hermitage, TN after David's final retirement.

God – Family & Friends – Fitness - Pets. Sueann was a faithful person continuously giving praise and thanks to God. She brought His glorious light to her husband, David, and they have been dedicated to the service to the Lord ever since. She always said God put an angel, David, on her doorstep, but he insisted it was the other way around.

Cemented in her faith, she had unwavering devotion to family and friends. Humble and supportive, nothing gave Sueann more joy than celebrating others personal successes and happiness and, without fail, to console in their failures and sorrows. People were drawn to her and sought her out to help celebrate good news, for a sympathetic ear and advice when necessary. She went out of her way to assist others, never knowing a stranger, selflessly putting others before herself. David often said that she was “SueAnn Landers.” She cared deeply for everyone and always said, “To have a friend, you have to be a friend.” Her laughter, infamous "Hey You!" greeting, and spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

Sueann had a life-long passion for fitness and the outdoors, combining them whenever possible. She enjoyed personal fitness activities, hiking in the mountains, and walks with her husband, dogs, and friends. She never enjoyed the treadmills as much as the sunshine but used them when it was raining heavily or below zero. Her passion for her dogs was second only to David. "Sharie" as a child, and others, then Samoyeds “Biscuit, Bandit, Bingo” and finally, a lovable Yorkie-Poo, “Buster". Of all her pets, Buster stole her heart the first second she saw him. They were inseparable until the end.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to help make a difference in the fight against kidney disease in Sueann’s honor to the American Kidney Fund.

https://secure.kidneyfund.org/site/SPageNavigator/df_id/tribute.html?don_tp=hon_n

A Celebration of Life for Sueann by family and friends will be held at the Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens on Friday, April 12th, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Ballain and Patzelt family at www.HibbettHaileyFH.com