Nellie Ballou

Larchwood, Iowa Nellie Ballou, age 98 of Larchwood, IA died Monday, February 6, 2012, at Fellowship Village in Inwood, IA. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 15th at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood, IA, with Pastor Kelly Volk officiating. Burial will follow at Primghar, IA. Visitation will be one hour prior on Wednesday, February 15th at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood. IA. Nellie Lena Ballou was born to Hans and Elizabeth Peper of Paullina, Iowa on December 31, 1913 and grew up in that area until she met Quinton (Pat) Ballou and were united in marriage. They farmed for 43 years near Archer, Iowa, where they raised two sons, Lyell and Steve Ballou. They retired from the farm in 1977 and moved to Sanborn, Iowa and later to Archer, Iowa. Pat and Nellie then moved to Rock Rapids, Iowa to be closer to family and grandchildren. Nellies husband, Pat passed away in November of 1989. Nellie then moved to Larchwood, Iowa, where she resided until her death. In her later years she enjoyed needlework, baking and cooking meals, along with gardening, and having beautiful houseplants. She was a very independent woman and drove her car until two years ago, taking short trips to the grocery store, hair salon, and occasional trip to Wal-Mart. She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Larchwood, Iowa. Nellie had very special neighbors who looked out for her, Bob and Bea Bruggeman, Joe and Sally McMartin and special lady and caretaker, Mary Giles. She is survived by two sons, Lyell (Toula) Ballou of Waukee, Iowa, Steve (Julie) Ballou of Cass Lake, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Ashley (Mark) Ballou Bonnema, Stephen (Crystal) Ballou, John (Amy) Ballou; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hans and Elizabeth Peper; husband, Quinton Ballou; two grandchildren, Maria and Nathaniel; two sisters and two brothers.