Cora Jane Ballard (90) of Louisville

Cora Jane Ballard, 90, of Louisville passed away peacefully at 11:33 a.m. Sunday, November 7, 2021, at her home with her loving family by her side.

Cora was born on March 25, 1931, in Clark County, Illinois the daughter of Floyd and Virgie (Hill) Coombes. She graduated from Hume Township High School in May 28, 1948, and she attended Eastern University in Charleston. She married Benny L. Ballard on December 8, 1950 in Charleston, Illinois and they shared 70 years of marriage. Cora worked at many businesses in Louisville, the last two being Taylor Cleaners and the Louisville Seed House. Cora enjoyed cooking for her family and made wonderful pies. She was very creative in her sewing’s with making garments for family members and after she retired, she made many quilts. Cora was a 4-H leader for 10 years and helped charter the Four-Leaf Clovers Club in Clay County. Cora was a member of the Louisville Methodist Church.

Cora is survived by her husband; Benny L. Ballard, of Louisville, daughter; Theresa Traub, of Mason, 4 grandchildren; Tonni (Michael) Micklautz, of Louisville, Justin (Tammy) Traub, of Mason, Jennifer (Kevin) Billingsley, of Mason, Ryan (Crystal) Ballard, of Louisville. She is also survived by 10 great grandchildren; Nathan Micklautz, Abigail Micklautz, Stetsen Traub, Clayton Traub, Matthew Billingsley, Elizabeth Billingsley, Hanna Ballard, Collyn Ballard, Miah Ballard, William Ballard, 1 sister; Anna Moore, of Newman, Illinois, sister-in-law; Paulene Coombes, of Hume, Illinois, brother-in-law; Paul Vest, of Johnsonville.

Mrs. Ballard was preceded in death by her parents, son; Tommy Joe Ballard, son-in-law; Michael Traub, brothers; Paul, Ken, Dexter “Bud” Coombes, sisters; Katherine Boyd, Barbara Coombes.

Funeral services honoring the life of Cora will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 11, 2021 at the McGriff & Triplett Funeral Home in Louisville with Jim Helm officiating, burial will follow at the Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. Visitation will be held on Thursday morning at the funeral home where friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Louisville Methodist Church or the Donor’s Choice. Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, it is recommended that you please wear a mask and practice social distancing. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory please visit by clicking here.