Donna Jean Ballasch

Donna Jean Ballasch, age 83, was born into eternal life on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Donna was born on August 24,1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Richard Smith Youngs and Lillian Constance (Barth) Youngs. She was the younger of two children and was raised with strong family values that guided her throughout her life.

She graduated from Marshall Metropolitan High School in Chicago with the Class of 1960. On December 4,1965, Donna married the love of her life, Louis George Ballasch, and together they built a loving home and raised their family.

Donna was a hardworking and devoted woman whose life was centered on caring for others. Throughout the years, among being a homemaker, she worked as a waitress, cook, and office employee. She found great joy in creating a warm and welcoming environment wherever she went in which family and friends always felt loved.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. Donna and Louis were faithful members of Northside Gospel Center, where she joyfully volunteered in a variety of children's ministries.  For more than twenty years, she was also a devoted member of Mt. Olive Church in Chicago. Donna was known as a steadfast prayer warrior whose unwavering faith, compassionate heart, and willingness to pray for others touched countless lives.

Donna will be remembered for her kind heart, unwavering devotion to her family, and the love she freely shared with everyone she met. Her gentle spirit, quiet strength, and abiding faith will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to inspire her family for generations to come.

Donna is lovingly survived by her children, Louis (Peggy) Ballasch, Richard (Angel) Ballasch, and niece Carrie (Daniel) Martens; her cherished grandchildren, Jacob (Isabelle) Ballasch, Olivia Ballasch, Alexia (Joshua) Kierzyk, Gianna Ballasch, twins Gavin and Levi Ballasch and great-nieces, Katie (Michael) McDevitt, and Christine (Andrew) Rachke; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Juniper Louise Ballasch, Lawrence Richard Kierzyk, great-nephews Lincoln McDevitt, Carter McDevitt and great-nieces Monroe McDevitt and Anna Rachke.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 49 years, Louis George Ballasch, who passed away on November 3, 2021; her sister, Connie Cahill; and her parents, Richard Smith Youngs and Lillian Constance (Barth) Youngs.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Donna has entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, where she has been reunited with those who have gone before her. Her faith, love, prayers, and gentle example will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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