Ballou, Florence Olga

Florence Olga Ballou, 90, a resident of Cedar Rapids, died Aug. 12, 2011. Services will be at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, by Dr. Craig A. Bex. Friends may call from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday at the chapel. Burial, with military rites, will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Florence is survived by two sons, John of Cedar Rapids and Arthur of Galveston, Texas; daughter, Jennifer Ballou of Cedar Rapids; four grandsons, Todd and Roy Ballou, Timothy (TJ) and Troy Kaylor; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlyn; her parents; three brothers and three sisters.

Florence was born Feb. 21, 1921, near Plainfield, Iowa, at home to Harry M. and Olga Cecelia (Anderson) Hastings. She served as a WAC in World War II. She married Merlyn Norris Ballou on Nov. 30, 1945, in Anamosa. Florence began her career as a teacher in a one room school house in Bremer County. Florence and Merlyn adopted three children in 1951 and she especially loved to spend time with her family. She also worked as an office clerk for Rockwell Collins for many years before she retired.

After retirement, she loved to travel with her husband. She also loved to play cards and games with her family and friends.

She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

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