Catherine L. Ballah

Catherine L. Ballah, 91, of Shattuc entered into her eternal Home Monday, April 17, 2023. She was born on September 19, 1931, the daughter of Lewis and Helen (Heinrich) Wiedle in Shattuc. She married her sweetheart, Paul Ballah on April 15, 1953 at Trenton Methodist Church and he preceded her in death on March 15, 2016.

Survivors that will hold cherished memories of Catherine include her beloved family, children, Cindy Brammeier and husband Larry of Hoffman, Tony Ballah and wife Kay of Shattuc, Kim Diekemper and husband Leon of Shattuc, and Scott Ballah and wife Angie of Carlyle; grandchildren, Ryan Diekemper and wife Treva, Jeffrey Diekemper and wife Julia, Kent Diekemper and wife Holly, Brandon Diekemper and wife Melissa, Carter Ballah, Mason Ballah, Max Ballah, Chloe Ballah, Myles Ballah, and Samuel Ballah; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Fred Wiedle and wife Lynette, Marilyn Nordike, and Barbara Johnson and husband Bob; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Along with her husband of 62 years, Paul Ballah, Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Dorothy Orr, Carl Wiedle, and Ray Wiedle.

Catherine was proud to carry on the family tradition of being the sixth Wiedle to go to St. Lukes Nursing Program in St. Louis. She was a natural caregiver, providing the best, compassionate care to her grateful patients in the Centralia and Breese area. Catherine once said that her most proud accomplishment was found in the care, kindness and friendship she gave her patients. She loved the challenge of card games like pinochle, rummy, and kings on the corner. Catherine also was famous for winning at bingo, quickly going through word searches, and setting up a good game of dominos. She was the St. Louis Cardinals biggest fan, who tried to never miss a game. Catherine had an amazing talent for crochet, creating beautiful afghan blankets, tablecloths, bedspreads, and doilies to share with family and friends. She loved to fill a day with great conversation and laughs while visiting and sharing stories with relatives. Catherine was a lady of determination, compassion, and joy who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval with Pastor Josh Wolford officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at the funeral home in Sandoval. Memorials may be made in Catherine’s honor to Carlyle Christian Church or Clinton County Services for Meals On Wheels. Online condolences and memories of Catherine may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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