Barbara Ballou
Barbara Ballou
Barbara Ballou Age 95 of St. Paul, MN (formerly of Oskaloosa, IA), and most recently a resident of Episcopal Homes. Barbara passed away peacefully on October 22, 2022. Barbara Lou (Eckhoff) Ballou was born in 1927 to Tom and Alice Eckhoff, New Sharon, IA.
Her family moved to Oskaloosa, IA where Barbara lived most of her life.
Barbara graduated from Oskaloosa High School and attended Columbia Women’s College in Columbia, MO.
Barbara returned to Oskaloosa where she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Walling. They had three children, Arthur K., Thomas Henry, and Anne.
In 1970 Barbara married Robert F (Bob) Ballou and lived briefly in Centerville, IA and Vero Beach FL, ultimately returning to Oskaloosa.
Wherever Barbara was, she engaged with her community including church (St James Episcopal), town development (Main Street Program), the arts, and as an advocate for nursing home residents. She loved politics and was involved with county, district and state campaigns.
In 2013, Barbara moved to Episcopal Homes in St. Paul where she immensely enjoyed fellow residents and staff who have vast life experiences and diversity. Throughout her life, family and friends meant the world to Barbara. Her sense of style, her easy laugh, and her dry sense of humor charmed many.
In addition to, Barbara is survived by her children: Dr Arthur K (& Rebecca) Walling of Tampa, FL, Thomas Henry (& Deborah) Walling of Oskaloosa, and Anne Walling Dowdle (& Dr. John Dowdle) of Saint Paul, MN; her sister Mary Eckhoff of Barakat, CO; grandchildren: Laura Walling of VA; Charley Walling of IA; Christopher Walling of MA; Elanor Walling of GA; Ryan Dowdle of MI; and Conor Dawdle of NY; a great grandchild, Bode Fitzwater; and godchildren, Grace Stout of KA, and Andrew Kneophler (& Melissa) of MN. Also recognized are step grandchildren, Emily Ballou, Glasgow, and Rachael Buell, Seattle.
Memorial Service on November 2, 2022, 11:00 am at Episcopal Church Homes-Coventry Chapel, 1842 University Ave W., St Paul followed by a visitation/lunch reception in Otto Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Episcopal Homes Foundation of Minnesota, 490 Lynnhurst Ave East, St Paul, MN 55104; 651-632-8854. O’Halloran and Murphy 651-698-0796
