Lorraine Ballman

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce Lorraine Lois (Ewest) Ballman passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 26th surrounded by her loving family. She will forever be remembered as a woman of both strong-will and strong-heart.

Lorraine was born on Sunday November 28th, 1926. The only child of Louis and Clara (Schultz) Ewest of Wilton Township, MN.

Her earlier years were spent helping on the family farm until 1965, when her family moved north to Waseca, MN. She graduated from Waseca High School and went on to attend Mankato Commercial College. Afterwards, she was employed by Federated Insurance of Owatonna and later by Wolf & Habein of Waseca. It was at Wolf and Habein that her sharp math skills and keen fashion sense earned her a position as both clerk and buyer for her department. She delighted in attending fashion shows and in helping women select the perfect outfit for any occasion.

Lorraine was united in marriage on November 16th, 1973 to John Ballman of Le Center, MN. They spent many happy years living on their family farm, located just south of Le Center, before retiring in 1988 and moving into town where they could be closer to their cherished only daughter Tammy.

Lorraine was a gifted cook and baker who delighted in surprising her ever-growing family with an assortment of delectable baked goods. In addition to cooking, Lorraine loved to go dancing and she and John were known to light up the dance floor at the Kato Ballroom. Lorraine also enjoyed keeping up on current events, shopping, visiting with family and friends, and baking with her many great-grandchildren.

Lorraine is survived, and will be sorely missed, by her daughter, Tammy (Paul) Schley of Le Center, MN; grandchildren, Scott Schley, Chad (Kit) Schley, and Jennifer (Martin) Juarez of Le Center, MN; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, Allison, Alex, Adam, Emily-Jo, Brooklynn, Jackson, Paul, Marty, Logan, and Breckyn.

She is welcomed into Gods Kingdom by her husband John, her parents Louis and Clara, as well as countless relatives and friends. A private family service is planned.

Arrangements are with the Le Center Funeral Home. 507-357-6116. On-line condolences may be left at www.lecenterfuneralhome.com.