Armella “Connie” Ballard passed away peacefully on December 24, 2016 at Bethany Home in Waupaca. Connie was born June 8, 1921 in Little Chute, WI, daughter of the late John and Odelia (Schaumann) Kons. Connie married her sweetheart Don “Bud” Ballard in 1942 and together they raised their three children: Val, Joe, and Bev. Connie was a devoted wife, homemaker, and loving mother. She enjoyed so many of life’s simple pleasures: Dancing with her husband, playing sheepshead and jack-pot dice with family and friends, baking cakes and pies for birthdays, decorating for Christmas, and doing much of her own yard work. She often took time out of her day to phone friends and family, and she always sent greeting cards for their birthdays. Most of all, being a mother brought the greatest joy in her life. She gave tenderly and unselfishly to her children and extended a motherly welcome to their friends as well. She was also so very happy and proud to be a Grandma and Great Grandma.
She is survived by her daughter Valerie (Gary) DuChateau, her son Joseph (Linda) Ballard, her nine grandchildren: Andrew (Hitomi) DuChateau, Chad (Kristy) DuChateau, Joel (Katie) DuChateau, Lisa DuChateau (fiancé Chad Auberbuhler), Clinton Ballard, Breanna (Kaleb) Santy, Christopher Bellis, Jason (Donna) Bellis, Leah Bellis (Steve Klimczak), and her great grandchildren: Celia, Ava, Lily, Maggie, Josie, Sam and two more babies due to be born soon. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Sally Kons, and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband “Bud” in 1981 and her dear daughter Beverly Ballard in 2007. Also, preceding her in death were her brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Angeline Kons, Arthur Kons, Lavern (Ed) Bongers, Wilbert “Bud” (Fran) Kons, Emily (Paul) Ballard, Raymond (Alyce) Kons, Clarence “Mike” Kons, Rita (Al) Fischer, James Ballard, and Lois “Sis” (Al) Litscher.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 am on Wednesday, December 28, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald St., Appleton, with Father Gerald Falk officiating. Friends and relatives may visit directly at the church on Wednesday, from 9:30 am until 10:45 am. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Mom “Grandma,” you were a most treasured blessing in our lives and you will remain always in our hearts. We will miss you so very much. Now Heaven is yours. Give Dad and Bev a hug for us.
Thank you to the caring staff of Bethany Home, Waupaca who treated Mom with kindness and compassion.
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