I. Josephine Ballert

Ilo Josephine Ballert, age 94, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2012, at Angela Hospice in Livonia, Michigan. She was known to friends and family as Jo and was a fixture in the Livonia Public School system from 1961 through 1987, having taught in nine different elementary and junior high schools. She loved teaching and particularly her later vocation as a Reading Specialist at Riley Middle School. Jo received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo and Masters of Arts in Education and Education Specialist (Special Education) degrees from the University of Michigan. Wolverine football games were always at the top of her favorite pastimes, as she and husband, Al, would cheer from their end zone seats and travel to Bowl games. Jo was also very active in her church, Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church in Livonia, and served on numerous committees, prayer groups and as an elder. Jo made it a point to be an active participant in local and state politics, and to always stay informed on current event issues. Missed dearly by her children, Colby (Carol) and Josette (David) Koets, grandchildren, Steven (Katie) Koets, Sara (Kirk) Pauley, Brendan (Janie), Cassandra and Zachary Ballert and great-grandson Connor Koets. She is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Albert G. Ballert, son, Albert Jr., and brother, Robert Butler.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at noon at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church, 9601 Hubbard, Livonia. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the church or to the donors choice of organization in her name. Interment at Toledo Memorial Park.