Lurline Kalisky Ballard

Lurline Ione Kalisky Ballard was born on Christmas day in 1928 to Hertha Thoene Kalisky and Walter Kalisky. She passed away on September 25, 2016. Lurline was raised on a farm in the Niederwald area, sharing a special bond with her mother, Aunt Carla and Uncle Henry. She attended school at Roger’s Ranch and Lockhart High School, where she met the love of her life, Neal Ballard. They were married on February 5, 1948 and moved to Austin. She was a loving, dedicated wife and mother. Lurline was a very active participant in the Ohlendorf family reunion and had never missed a reunion since its inception in 1946, until this year. She retired from Texas Department of Public Safety after 25 years of service. She was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Lurline and Neal shared a unique partnership until his death in 2009. Together they enjoyed dancing, camping and traveling with family and friends. They traveled in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe and enjoyed several cruises. The grandchildren could count on their attendance at every sporting event or school activity. Lurline’s home was the center point for birthday and holiday celebrations which was fine with everyone since she was an excellent cook and welcoming hostess.

Lurline is survived by her daughters, Kayline Cabe and Karen Thormahlen and son-in-law, Roger Thormahlen. She was a loving “Mutty” to 5 grandchildren; Mika Carroll, Krista Bartsch (William), Ross Thormahlen (Celinda), Kurt Thormahlen (Rosmond) and Lana Thormahlen Thompson (Steve), 9 Great-grandchildren, Layne and Cabe Bartsch, Matthew and Michael Thormahlen, Harper Thormahlen, Knox, Neal, Mace and Tess Thompson.

Lurline was also preceded in death by her mother and son-in-law, Poe Cabe.

A special “thank-you” to Crestview Pharmacy, Kenny Drake, and Alex and Teresa at ARA Midtown. We appreciate your support during the last, difficult months.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock in the evening until eight o’clock in the evening, Friday, the 30th of September at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd. Austin TX 78752.

Funeral services will be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 1st of October 2016, in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Interment will follow in Lockhart City Cemetery, Lockhart, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759.

Pall Bearers: Ross Thormahlen, Kurt Thormahlen, William Bartsch, Layne Bartsch, Michael Ohlendorf, Lee Schuelke, and David Braune