Staci Michele Ballou, age 42, of Westerville, died unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016.
She was born on Jan. 28, 1974, in Circleville, to Karen Sue and the late Paul Eugene Ballou.
On June 27, 2015, she married Juliet Leigh Litzel, the love of her life, in a legal ceremony which was a joyful event for the couple and their families.
Staci graduated from Circleville High School where she excelled in softball, basketball and volleyball. Earning a basketball scholarship and being an excellent scholar, Staci graduated from Thomas More College.
Having majored in criminal justice, she worked for Limited Brands, Abercrombie and Fitch and then Bob Evans in corporate security. A gifted artist, Staci worked in mixed media to create wonderful works of art.
A new hobby was adult coloring which challenged her ability to “stay between the lines” but also gave her enjoyment in the colorful finished product. Being an artist, Staci loved pencils: the smell, the feel, their job as an art medium. Enhancing her cooking skills was next on her agenda. Staci had a love of all sports, especially golfing and watching games on the couch with her wife.
Survived by her precious Julie/Juls, Staci also leaves behind her mother, Sue Ballou; brother, Paul David (Kim); nephew, Nicholas Ballou; and nieces Katherine Ballou, Victoria and Taylor, all of Henderson, Nevada. Staci was also well-loved by Juliet’s family: mother, Jan Litzel of Fairlawn; father, John (Janet) Litzel of New Port Richey, Florida; Jennifer (Chris) Filomena and their son Chase of Copley; Jill Litzel (Patrick Sweeney) and their daughter Quinn of Cuyahoga Falls; and Jessica (David) Antal and their children Belle, Landon and Gage of Copley. Staci also leaves behind her best friend, Jill Brady of Columbus, and her loyal companion, English bulldog Moose. In addition, Staci is mourned by aunts, Carol Ann (Dan) Fout of Circleville; Barbara” Bobbie” (Ernie) Smith of Humble, Texas; Martha Sharrett of Point Pleasant, West Virginia; and Linda Ballou of Circleville; and uncles, William Ballou and James (Mary Jo) Ballou of Circleville and Bruce Ballou of Hideaway Hills. Staci is also survived by numerous cousins. Many other friends were a big part of Staci’s life.
In her passing, Staci joins her beloved father, Paul Eugene Ballou; grandparents, William and Mildred Ballou, Harold Evans and Floyd and Georgianna Stonerock; as well as her aunt, Katrina Ann (Evans) Gaines Heuerman Adams.
The lives of those who loved Staci will be forever affected by her passing. She was a beautiful, caring, funny, and talented young woman who will be greatly missed by all.
Cremation is being handled by the Shaw-Davis Funeral Home. A gathering to remember Staci will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, at the Shaw-Davis Funeral Home at 4341 N. High St., Columbus. Juliet requests that people dress casually, hopefully in brown and cream, Staci’s favorite colors.
Online condolences may be made at www.shaw-davis.com.
The family requests no flowers but contributions may be made to Cornerstone of Hope at www.cornerstoneofhope.org, 4217 N. High Street, Columbus OH 43214-3011; and the Capital Area Humane Society at www.cahs-pet.org, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, OH 43026.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
