Staci Ballou

Staci Michele Ballou, age 42 of Westerville, Ohio, died unexpectedly on Monday, February 15, 2016. She was born on January 28, 1974, in Circleville, Ohio, to Karen Sue and the late Paul Eugene Ballou. On June 27, 2015, she married Juliet Leigh Litzel, the love of her life, in a legal ceremony which was a joyful event for the couple and their families.   Staci graduated from Circleville High School where she excelled in softball, basketball and volleyball.  Earning a basketball scholarship and being an excellent scholar, Staci graduated from Thomas More College.  Having majored in criminal justice, she worked for Limited Brands, Abercrombie and Fitch and then Bob Evans in corporate security.

A gifted artist, Staci worked in mixed media to create wonderful works of art.  A new hobby was adult coloring which challenged her ability to “stay between the lines” but also gave her enjoyment in the colorful finished product.  Being an artist, Staci loved pencils: the smell, the feel, their job as an art medium.  Enhancing her cooking skills was next on her agenda.  Staci had a love of all sports, especially golfing and watching games on the couch with her wife.

Survived by her precious Julie/Juls, Staci also leaves behind her mother, Sue Ballou, brother Paul David (Kim), nephew Nicholas Ballou and nieces Katherine Ballou, Victoria and Taylor, all of Henderson NV.   Staci was also well-loved by Juliet’s family:  mother Jan Litzel (Fairlawn OH); father John (Janet) Litzel of New Port Richey FL; Jennifer (Chris) Filomena and their son Chase of Copley OH; Jill Litzel (Patrick Sweeney) and their daughter Quinn of Cuyahoga Falls OH; and Jessica (David) Antal and their children Belle, Landon, and Gage of Copley OH.  Staci also leaves behind her best friend Jill Brady of Columbus OH and her loyal companion, English bulldog Moose.

In addition Staci is mourned by aunts Carol Ann (Dan) Fout of Circleville OH; Barbara” Bobbie” (Ernie) Smith of Humble TX; Martha Sharrett of Point Pleasant WV; and Linda Ballou of Circleville OH; and uncles William Ballou and James (Mary Jo) Ballou of Circleville OH and Bruce Ballou of Hideaway Hills OH.  Staci is also survived by numerous cousins.  Many other friends were a big part of Staci’s life.

In her passing Staci joins her beloved father Paul Eugene Ballou; grandparents William and Mildred Ballou; Harold Evans; and Floyd and Georgianna Stonerock; as well as her aunt Katrina Ann (Evans) Gaines Heuerman Adams.

The lives of those who loved Staci will be forever affected by her passing.  She was a beautiful, caring, funny, and talented young woman who will be greatly missed by all.

Cremation is being handled by the Shaw-Davis Funeral Home.  A gathering to remember Staci will be held at the Shaw-Davis Funeral Home at 4341 N. High Street, Columbus OH, on February 23, 2016, from 4-6 pm.  Juliet requests that people dress casually, hopefully in brown and cream, Staci’s favorite colors.  Online condolences may be made at www.shaw-davis.com.  The family requests no flowers but contributions may be made to Cornerstone of Hope at www.cornerstoneofhope.org, 4217 N. High Street, Columbus OH 43214-3011 and the Capital Area Humane Society at www.cahs-pet.org, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, OH 43026.