"Jane, the youngest daughter of William and Nancy Spell, was born April 28, 1854, near Sulphur Springs, Ind., and departed this life at Spiceland, Ind., February 15, 1926. Age 71 years, 9 months and 17 days. She was deprived by death of a father's love and care at an early age.
"Her education was received in the common schools, not many institutions of higher learning being accessible to all students at that early date. On October 11, 1875, she was joined in marriage to Peyton Ballard, of Henry county, and to them were born seven children, six of whom, three sons and three daughters, survive. Mrs. Sarah Shaffer, an older sister, still lives to mourn the dear departed. Seventeen grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who loved and honored her in life, will ever cherish her memory as a sacred legacy.
"She accepted the Christian faith and to a friend who was with her when her body was racked by pain, she said, whether I live or die all is well with me.
"Jane Ballard was a kind neighbor, a loyal friend, and abounding in works of benevolence, in her benefactions she closely resembed Dorcas, a worthy Bible character, who gave much time and skill in the construction of garments for the needy.
"She was a friend to truth, a soul sincere. In action faithful, in honor clear, she broke no promise, served no private end. She gained no title, but lost no friend.
"She loved her home, and often expressed the wish that she might live and die in it, and from it might be borne to her last resting place. It is a comforting thought that after seventy-two years of active and almost tireless industry, this dear one, just at the dawn of a new day, passed quietly and peacefully through the gateway of death into life eternal, to receive the reward of a life well spent."
Submitted by:
Mark Dixon