Celebrating Gloria Jean Ballard

Gloria Jean Ballard, 75, of Marshall, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Known affectionately as “Grandma” to most everyone, she will be remembered for her caregiver spirit, selflessness, spitfire personality, and love for animals— including Hello Kitty.

Gloria was born on August 1, 1951, at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, to Martha and Norman E. Straw Sr. She grew up surfing and skateboarding in California before moving back to Paris, Illinois, where she helped raise her younger siblings, Debbie Entrican and Norman Straw Jr. She was blessed with another little brother, Charles Straw, later in life.

She married the next best thing after Elvis Presley, Chester ‘Chet’ Ballard, in 1974. Together, they built a family that grew to include two children, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Gloria received her GED and owned the Gold Nugget Bar in Brocton, Illinois, before touching many lives as a certified nursing assistant at Burnsides Nursing Home. Of everything she accomplished, being a grandma meant the most to her. She taught her family the importance of always showing up— even if she was late, she was there.

To know Gloria was to love someone who just might steal everything—including your heart. She could often be found reading newspaper ads with her soaps or The Price Is Right playing in the background. She loved Dr. Pepper and Kit Kats, had little patience for anyone who refused to bring her Marlboro 100s, and never missed an opportunity to go to Walmart or the post office.

Beyond the laughter, Gloria gave her family stability. She showed her love through Taster’s Choice coffee, a listening ear, and the familiar reassurance of “It’s okay, baby.” Those who loved her will especially miss her laugh.

She is survived by her favorite people: her daughter, Nicole Ballard (Clay Reeley) of Marshall; son, Gene (Michelle) Ballard of Marshall; her grandchildren, Anthony Ballard, Levi Ballard, Taylor (Jordan) Ballard, Mackenzie (Julian) Rogers, and Trinity (Scott) Kozloff; her great-grandchildren, Renlee, Xavier, River, Niko, Rhett, Chester, Journey; and her mother-in-law, Juanita Woolsey.

She looked forward to being reunited in heaven with those who went before her: her husband, Chester Ballard; her mom, Martha Straw; and her beloved dog, Niki Ballard.

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Stewart & Carroll Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home, funeral service will immediately follow, also at the funeral home. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.