Donnie Lois (Cagle) Ballance

Donnie Cagle Ballance peacefully passed away on August 22, 2025, one week shy of her 93rd birthday in her home.

Born in Huntsville, Alabama, she attended West Huntsville Elementary School and graduated from West Huntsville High School in 1950. In 1951, she moved to Washington DC to begin work as an FBI clerk and met the love of her life, James Orlan Ballance. They married on September 2, 1951.

After a few years following Jim as he served with the US Army, they settled in Huntsville. She was a stay-at-home mom to raise their three children.

She was also proud of her disaster recovery volunteer role with the International Red Cross earning her the Clara Barton Award. After Jim’s death in 1982, she returned to work for the US Army Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) program retiring as a civil servant in 1996.

A long -time member of the United Methodist Church, she was an active member of Epworth and the Searchers Sunday School class. Also, enjoyed the company of the “Epworth Ladies-that-Lunch.” She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, ‘Lady Avalon’ with the Bella Butterflies of Huntsville.

There is a causal-dress visitation at Spry Funeral Home, 2411 Memorial Parkway NW on Wednesday, Aug 27 2025 from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Causal dress funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 2102 Epworth Dr., Huntsville, Alabama 35811. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. A graveside service and burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. 

She is survived by her children, son, Paul Ballance; wife Judy; and daughters Jane Maguire; husband, Dave, and Anne Hyde; husband Clay. Also, her grandchildren, Drew; wife Brooke; Aaron, and Anna Ballance; Corey; wife Jenn, Shane; wife Chasity, Zach, and Jake Maguire. Her three great daughters, Olivia, Cora, and Vera Ballance. Her four great grandsons; Liam, Sage, Maverick, and Declan Maguire. Survivors also include her brother, David Cagle and nieces Camille Brecht; husband Tom; and Carla Chumbley; husband Mike and nephew, Gary Thorne; wife Carmen. Sister-in-law, Vickie Ballance, niece Amy Hoseth; husband, Chad and nephew Matthew Ballance. And a slew of cousins from coast-to-coast.

The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to her caregivers – Megin Green, Emily Patterson, Cindy Ray, Angie Hollingsworth, Kanetha Morris, Paula Franklin, Amy Dison, and Jeannie Carson for their unfailing love, care, and devotion to Donnie. Also special thanks to Gentiva Hospice – Lindsey and Brea.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moores Mill Volunteer Fire Rescue or to Epworth United Methodist Church in Huntsville, Alabama.

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