Cheryl J. Ballance

Cheryl J. Ballance, 71, of Huntington, passed away at 4:33 pm Saturday, June 14, 2025, at her home. Cheryl was born on February 19, 1954, in Portland, IN, the daughter of Jim Vance and Betty (Wright) Straley. She graduated from Portland High School with the class of 1972. In the early nineties, Cheryl found herself at a crossroads of curiosity and caution. Her friends, enthusiastic about setting her up on a blind date, had arranged for her to meet a man whom she had never encountered before. The blind date marked the beginning of an extraordinary love story. On October 7, 1995, in the town of Bluffton, Indiana, Cheryl and Richard “Gus” A. Ballance exchanged vows and committed themselves to a life together. Cheryl retired after dedicating 16 years of service to Continental Structural Plastics and was an Auxiliary Member of the American Legion Post #85 and the V.F.W. Post #2689 both of Huntington, IN. Cheryl was an incredible cook, but her true passion was baking cakes for special occasions. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth and creativity, and each dish she prepared came from the heart. She loved spending her time arranging flowers, crafting, traveling and playing bingo. Bowling added energy and fun to her and Gus’s life. She enjoyed the sound of pins falling, the thrill of a strike, and the friendships they built at the bowling alley throughout the years. Cheryl possessed a unique and magnetic charm that effortlessly brightened any space she walked into. Her smile was not merely an expression; it was a beacon of warmth and joy that instantly uplifted those around her. It carried an infectious glow, an intangible energy that drew people toward her naturally. Cheryl was someone who believed in the genuine power of touch, rather it be a heartfelt hug or a tender kiss on the cheek. Those fortunate enough to know her left her company with hearts fuller, spirits lifted and forever touched by her glowing essence. Survivors include her loving husband, Richard A. Ballance of Huntington, IN; daughter, Melissa K. Hines of Huntington, IN; granddaughter, Jessica M. Hines of Huntington, IN; brother, Ronald Vance of FL; twin sister, Melba Beaver of IN, sisters, Barbara A. (Bill) Gibson of TN, Alice D. (Greg) Imel of IN; and her four-legged companion, Emmett. She is preceded in death by her father, Jim Vance, mother, Betty Straley, three brothers, John, Jesse & Rex Vance, and sisters, Louann Vance & Tammy Straley. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 pm Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Pastor Jason Fields officiating. Cheryl's final resting place will be in Gardens of Memory Preferred memorials to the American Diabetes Association, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Cheryl J. Ballance.