Nellie Marie Ballerini

Nellie Marie Ballerini, 95, of Lafayette, IN, formerly of Peoria Heights, IL passed away February 19, 2017 at Creasy Springs Health Center in Lafayette, IN where she was a resident since 2013. She was born on July 3, 1921 to Michael and Eugenia (Castello) Giovannini at home in Seatonville, IL.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Monday in Nativity of Our Lord in Spring Valley with Rev. Robert Spilman officiating. Burial will be in Ladd Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 Sunday at the Hurst Funeral Home in Ladd. Additional visitation will be in the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until time of services.

Nellie married Virgil “Leo” Ballerini on November 8, 1947 at St. Gertrude’s Church in Seatonville. She was a homemaker who enjoyed being with family, cultivating roses & tending her vegetable garden, canning, reading, being a Cub Scout den mother, and her Tuesday night St. Thomas Women’s Bowling League. During the 1960 presidential campaign, she was a strong supporter of John F. Kennedy, driving voters to the polls. Along with her homemaker duties, she worked at Sampsel Inc. in Spring Valley, Trefzger’s Bakery in Peoria Heights, and Belltone in Peoria.

Nellie is survived by her daughter Deborah (Steven) Knezovich of Lafayette, IN; her son Joseph (Janet) Ballerini of New Lenox, IL; five grandchildren Sarah (Matthew) Highfill, Mark (Kate Girsch) Knezovich, Brittany (Keith) Elliot, Ashley Ballerini, Kyle (Melissa Boban) Ballerini; one brother John (Betty) Giovannini of Peru; five great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband on September 27, 2008 and four sisters Ann, Lena, Chancey, and Mary.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

Those wishing may make a contribution in her memory to the charity of their choice or the Alzheimer’s Association.

 Service Information