Lori Lynn Ballard, 48, of So. Elgin died Saturday, October 6, 2007 at Provena St. Joseph Hospital. Born in Elgin on November 19, 1958, she was the daughter of Carl and Arlene (Wasilewski) Schmitz.
Lori’s battle with cancer was fought with both perseverance and courage, and she will forever be remembered for her strength and spirit.
Lori is preceded in death by her father, Carl Schmitz, and her grandmother, Valerie Schneider.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Ballard; mother, Arlene Schmitz; sister, Leslie Schmitz; 2 brothers, Michael and Mark Schmitz; and three loving children, Aaron Shelton (27), Steven Winesburg (19), and Carly Rose Winesburg (17).
Memorial service will be held at John Duerr/Blackhawk Forest Preserver on Rt. 31, South Elgin, on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 3:00 P.M. Private burial will follow. Memorials may be made in Lori’s memory to the family. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit our website at oconnor-leetz.com,. or call O’Connor – Leetz Funeral Home at (847) 741-1400.
Remembering Lori
I haven’t seen Lori for probably 20 years, and was shocked and saddened to read of her passing. We were friends…along with Kim Swanson…back in the late 70’s, 80’s. We had great times together, and I will never forget them…or Lori. I was looking through old pictures the other day and found pictures of Lori when she was pregnant with Aaron, right after Aaron was born, and many others from the “good ol’ days”. Looking through these pictures brought back many good memories. My deepest sympathy goes out to her husband, her children – Aaron, Steven and Carly…as well as her mom, Arlene, sister Leslie, and brothers Mark and Mike. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember the good times we had. Rest in peace, Lori…you are now in a better place and no longer suffering. Love, your “old friend”…Kim (Ewert) Toth…(847) 683-2128.