Susan "Sue" Ballard left this world on March 9, 2025, at the age of 64. Born on November 4, 1960, at Fort Campbell, KY, while her dad was stationed there, Sue grew up in Robinson, IL, before the family moved to Palestine when she was 10. She wasted no time making a name for herself—mostly by getting into trouble. (That defiant streak? Straight from her mom.) School wasn't exactly her thing; she'd much rather be working, and work she did. Before most kids were even out of bed, Sue was up making biscuits at Burger Chef, then heading to Palestine High School, where she graduated in 1978. She excelled at softball—her tall frame and relentless drive made her a force in the outfield. Her dad, a military man, made sure she played the game the right way.

After high school, Sue bartended her way across the area, perfecting the art of pouring drinks and putting people in their place (when needed). In 1984, she and her daughter Krystle moved to Huffman, TX, where she managed restaurants, ran an office for a sandblasting contractor, and eventually became a stay-at-home mom when her son Colt was born. But slowing down? Not a chance. She bowled competitively, setting records and throwing multiple perfect games. She loved music—especially The Eagles—and never turned down a good concert or a night out dancing (Ramona could tell you a story or two about that). Every February, you could find her at the Houston Rodeo, and every chance she got, she'd head to Galveston Beach, one of her favorite spots in the world.

In 2006, Sue moved back to Illinois to be close to her grandkids, and they became her world. She made it to every event she could, pouring all the love she had into them. She kept working as long as her body would let her, taking a job at Knox County Medical Services, where she once received an award from the State of Indiana IEMS for saving a man's life—pulling him from a car stalled on the train tracks with a train bearing down. She didn't think twice. Throughout her life, Sue worked hard, loved hard, and never backed down from a challenge. She didn't tolerate disloyalty—when a club manager fired her sister to hire one of his own, Sue didn't just quit. She made a point of quitting, throwing her apron and nametag on his desk without a second thought (can't you just see it?).

Muscular Dystrophy forced her into early retirement at 53, stripping away her ability to work, move, and command a room like she always had. But it never took her spirit. She found new passions—college basketball (on mute, of course), Naked and Afraid, and soaking up every moment she could with her family.

Sue Ballard was, in every sense of the word, a force—larger than life, fiercely loyal, and unapologetically herself. You didn't forget Sue. And we never will.

Sue is survived by her children, Colt Ballard (Robinson, IL), Krystle Riggle & fiancé Eric Jahn (Robinson, IL), and Amber & Chad VanMatre (Enfield, IL); her grandchildren, Peyton Riggle, Trenton Riggle, Olivia Riggle, Trace Riggle, Evan Riggle, and Ava Jahn; her sisters & brothers-in-law, Ramona & Bill Knoblett, Jayne Fuller, and Marie & Jack Anderson; her brother & sister-in-law, Steven "Cub" & Christa Inboden; by several nieces and nephews; and her dear friend and caregiver, Renee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Craig Ballard; her father, Bobby Wayne Inboden; her mother, Anita Inboden Carroll; and her brother-in-law, Mike Hurst.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m., with her nephew, Jeremy Patterson, officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream will be available at https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream.

Memorial contributions may be made to her memorial fund, with checks payable to "Goodwine Funeral Homes." Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.