Kathy Jean Ballance, 63, of Unionville, MO, died Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She was born March 3, 1960, in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Leroy and Patricia Perry Walker. She married Thomas L. Balance on May 13, 2011, in Metropolis, IL and he survives. She is also survived seven children, Christina Jackson of Columbia, MO, Michelle Jackson of Springfield, IL, Gloria Brizuela of Milan, MO, Karie Nutty of Benton, KY, Randy Parmely of Meredosia, IL, and Sarah Smith and Dakota Smith, both of Mt. Sterling, IL; sixteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; her mother and stepfather, Patricia and David Long of Mt. Sterling; seven siblings, Bill Walker of Beardstown, IL, David Walker and Diana Watkins, both of Meredosia, IL, Don Walker of Mt. Sterling, IL, Tina Peek of Jacksonville, IL, and Dan Walker and Bob Walker, both of Meredosia, IL. She was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, Leroy and Wilma Walker; and one sister, Judy Hadsell. Kathy loved her kids and grandkids. She held many jobs throughout her life, from working in the Sanitation Department at Excel in Beardstown, as well as being a cook and a waitress. She met her husband, Tom, at Huddle House in Metropolis where she was working as a cook. She played hard to get and seemed to be uninterested but kept her eye on him. Tom was a truck driver and he asked her out before he left town. Kathy decided not to let him get away that easily so she packed up and went with him, and they were married for twelve wonderful years. She was always very spontaneous and often did things that most would not. She once rode her bicycle around the country, traveling through Texas and to New Orleans. She loved life and tried to live every day to the fullest. There will be no service. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. .