Susan J. Ballinger (62) of Effingham

Susan J. Ballinger, 62, of Effingham, IL, formerly of Montrose, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024 at her home surrounded by family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Montrose. Burial will be in St. Rose Cemetery in Montrose. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

Memorials may be made to the family for funeral expenses. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Susan was born February 1, 1962, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Paul and Mary (Ruholl) Patton. She attended Dieterich High School and graduated in 1981. She also attended Lake Land College and graduated in 1983 with a cosmetology degree. She married Todd Ballinger on July 10, 2017. She enjoyed woodworking, crafts, and going out with friends. She also liked dancing, karaoke, and going on motorcycle rides. Susan told her family three days before her passing not to mourn her death too long – go out, have fun, and live life.

Susan is survived by her husband, Todd Ballinger of Effingham; sons, Ross (Krissy) Ruholl, Chatman (Sarah) Ruholl, and Trystan Fuesting; daughters, Ashley Smith and Bianca (Jake) Cane; 12 grandchildren; sister, Paula Lohman; brother, James Patton; 16 nieces and nine nephews; three great-nieces and six great-nephews; six sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; four step-sons; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary (Ruholl) Patton; grandparents, Clarence and Lucille (Busse) Ruholl and Horace and Pauline Patton; parents-in-law, Gene and Ruby Ballinger; uncle, Peter Ruholl; cousin, Bobby Leavitt; one sister-in-law; one nephew; and two cousins.