Anice Ballard

Anice "Ann" Mae Sutton Ballard, 82, of Mt. Sterling, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at her residence. Born on February 4, 1943, to the late Warren Sutton and Ruth Brown Morland.

Ann proudly retired after she served for 23 years at Jockey and for 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.

Ann was deeply committed to public service. She notably served as the Montgomery County Democratic Chairperson and held various other roles, including a board member on the Frontier Housing Board and a 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 Election and shared her passion for local agriculture as a volunteer with the Cattleman's Association. Ann's contributions were recognized when she was honored with the key to the City of Mt. Sterling and being a Lifetime Ambassador of the Montgomery County Parks and Rec, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her hometown.

Known for being a social butterfly and affectionately as "Nanny" by many, Ann 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.

Ann is survived by 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; special grandsons, Jared Hancock and Brian Hancock.

In addition to her parents, Ann is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Roby Ballard.

Funeral services for Ann Ballard will be Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 1:00PM. Visitations will be Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM and on Thursday prior to the funeral starting at 11:00AM. All services will be at Gateway Christian Church. Bro. Gist Howell and Pastor Bill Kilgore will be officiating. Burial will follow at Machpelah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Ann's request is for her Republican friends to donate in her memory to the Montgomery County Democratic Party, P.O. Box 66, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky 40353.

Pallbearers: Chris Cockrell, Blake Conn, James Davis, David Charles, Eric Jones, Thomas Conlee II, and Uziel Mendez

Honorary Pallbearers: Carla Davidson, Ruth Hancock, and the Ladies of the Main Street Church of Christ