Kathie J. Ballast

Age 68, of Michigan Center, passed away at her home on Saturday, February 20, 2021 surrounded by and under the loving care of her family and the staff of SouthernCare Hospice. After years of the heartbreak and the long goodbye of dementia, we have said our final goodbye. Kathie has been Kip's best friend, soulmate and wife since they eloped as teenagers 52 years ago. She will be remembered for her kindness and compassion to all. Although we mourn her loss, we are happy that her time of confusion is over and that she can see and think clearly again. She was a loving mother and grandmother to Missy (Paul) White, children Andrew, Nathan, David and Caleb; Marc (Lisa) Ballast, children Ella, Ben and Grace; and Kristi (Jim) Sutton, daughter Lily. "Her children will rise and and call her Blessed," Proverbs 31:28. She was greeted in Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and by her mother and father, John and Anita Zaagman; brothers, Gerald and David Zaagman; sister-in-law, Bev Meyers; and mother and father-in-law, Arnold and Edith Ballast, whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by siblings, Ed (Joy) Zaagman, Mary (Tim) Kurz and Joan (Dennis) Recker; and in-laws, Rod & Joyce Ballast, Dan & Linda Ballast, Leon & Paula Ballast, Rev. Mike & Carolyn Ballast, Rev. Bruce & Pat Ballast, and Jeff & Susan Ballast. Kathie decided to go back to school to become a Registered Nurse while her kids were all in school. She attained the highest score on the State Boards in the Obstetrics section. She worked in all areas of Nursing, from Mental Health to ICU/CCU. She enjoyed traveling and seeing new parts of the world. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Our family is grateful for the care she received from our long time friend Kelly and our new friend Mysti from SouthernCare Hospice. A visitation will be held at the Jackson Free Methodist Church (2829 Park Drive) on Sunday, February 28, 2021 from 2 to 5 pm. A funeral service to celebrate Kathie's life will be held at the church on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 11 am with Reverend Bruce Ballast officiating. Private interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Napoleon. For those who wish, contributions in Kathie's memory may be directed to Jackson Right to Life or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Kathie J. Ballast

May 10, 1952 - February 20, 2021