Anice “Ann” Mae Sutton Ballard, 82, of Mt. Sterling, passed away peacefully, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at her residence.
Born Feb. 4, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Warren Sutton and Ruth Brown Moreland. She proudly retired after she served for 23 years at Jockey and 19 years at Quality Cabinets. But her legacy extends far beyond her impressive work history. An active member of the Main Street Church of Christ, she found joy and solace in her faith and community. She was deeply committed to public service. She notably served as the Montgomery County Democratic chairperson and held various other roles, including board member on the Frontier Housing Board and proud member of the Board of Elections. An enthusiastic supporter of her community, she was also involved with the Montgomery County Historic Society, the Board of Elections and shared her passion for local agriculture as a volunteer with the Cattlemen’s Association. Her contributions were recognized when she was honored with the key to the City of Mt. Sterling and as being a Lifetime Ambassador of Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her hometown. Known for being a social butterfly, and affectionately as “Nanny” by many, she was a beloved matriarch who cherished her family above all else. She found her greatest joy in hosting New Year’s Eve gatherings for her loved ones, where laughter and love filled the air. An avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Duke basketball, she embraced every opportunity to celebrate life with her friends and family, always with a warm smile and an open heart.
Survivors include her children, Peggi Conlee (Moose) and Roby Ballard II (Wendy); grandson, Thomas Conlee II (Mechelle); bonus great-granddaughters, Shyanne Mendez (Uziel), Lyvia McNabb and Shelby Steppe; bonus great-great-grandson, Abel Mendez; special daughter, Dawn White; and special grandsons, Jared Hancock and Brian Hancock.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Roby Ballard.
Service will be conducted at 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22, at Gateway Christian Church with Bro. Gist Howell and Pastor Bill Kilgore officiating. Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the church and will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday. Burial will be in Machpelah Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers Ann’s request was for her Republican friends to donate in her memory to the Montgomery County Democratic Party, P.O. Box 66, Mt. Sterling, Ky., 40353.
Pallbearers will be Chris Cockrell, Blake Conn, James Davis, David Charles, Eric Jones, Thomas Conlee II and Uziel Mendez.
Honorary pallbearers will be Carla Davidson, Ruth Hancock, and the ladies of the Main Street Church of Christ
Guestbook available at www.coffmanfuneral.com.
Arrangements under the direct care of Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory.
