Wanda (Erwin/Mitchell) Ballay, 89, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday December 9, 2025. Wanda was born on May 13, 1936, in Louisville, Illinois, to the late Opal and Pauline Erwin. Wanda was raised in Hobart and graduated from Hobart High School. While raising six children Wanda was involved in all aspects of her children’s school and social events, which included Hobart Pop Warner, Hobart Booster club, and PTA. Wanda retired after over 30 years of service with Wiseway Foods as a meat wrapper.
After retirement Wanda married the love of her life, Anthony Ballay, on May 1, 1999. Together they enjoyed traveling, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. After Tony’s passing, Wanda re-entered the workforce, working part-time at Burns Funeral Home and the Portage UPS store. Wanda enjoyed being with people and staying busy. Wanda was a member of the Grace Church of the Nazarene in Portage, Indiana where she enjoyed being a greeter and singing in the choir. Wanda often traveled to other churches to sing the Gospel of Jesus. Through life’s challenges Wanda found strength in her faith in Jesus. Wanda’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids. The last five years Wanda was a resident of Avalon Manor in Valparaiso, Indiana. Wanda enjoyed participating in all the activities, outings and social events. Wanda was so grateful for all the love and support she received.
Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, Opal and Pauline Erwin; husband, Tony Ballay; son, Steven Mitchell; grandson, Michael Spicer; and her son-in law, Mark (Randy) Maddack. She is survived by her daughters: Lori (Mark) Maddack, LaVonne (Tim) Yaros, Melia (Mark) Spicer, Renee Fitzgerald; and son, John Mitchell; 15 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and dear friends, Micky and Mona Hovis.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Avalon Manor and Dunes Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion and support. Wanda’s strength and compassion will be deeply missed. Her presence and faith will forever live on in the memories and in the lessons she taught.
A visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, IN, with a funeral service beginning at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Wanda’s memory to Dunes Hospice.
GUESTBOOK
Condolences to Family and friends. Hold fast to the memories you shared with Her on your life journey together, R.I.P. dear Lady. -Jack & Marilyn Kuckuck
Wanda was such a wonderful lady. I loved working with her at our UPS store and hearing her life stories. She was such a caring person and everyone loved her. RIP my sweet friend! -Tracy Hughes
Wanda was my sister and a wonderful mother. I am sending my heartfelt love to all of the family. We had so much fun together as kids. She was full of laughter. Her faith in God got her through many hard times, and it never wavered. You are home and at peace. God Bless Love, -Lois Hatten Hopkins
Dear Lori, I just heard today (Dec. 16) of the passing of your mom. I went to visit her today at Avalon and they told me. If I had known earlier I would have gone to the visitation. I am so sorry for your loss. A loss to me too as I enjoyed our visits. Prayers for you and yours. -Ed Praschak
Sad to hear of her passing. -Rick Welton
Our blended family of Feinsteins and Pearmans hailed from Liverpool, a small community in Hobart Township. Way back in the day -- before GPS -- "at the intersection of Route 6 and Liverpool Road" was all it took to answer the question. "Where's that?" The Erwins lived on 35th Avenue, the Mitchells lived on Revere Court, and we lived on East 35th Place; all of these streets intersected Liverpool Road. We Pearman girls (Sue, Annie and Mary) babysat the Mitchell children, which was a weekly gig because Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell bowled in a local league; I'm thinking it was Ray's Lanes in East Gary -- now Lake Station. The journey was an easy one as our houses were about 100' apart, a straight shot across "The Field", a wedge of natural prairie with a small swamp filled with cattails bordered by oak trees to the west, and a natural stream along the south edge where crawdads and tadpoles multiplied after the spring thaw. At the start of summer vacation, some of us older neighbor kids, armed with weed cutters and rakes -- would whack away at the tall prairie grass in search of the five large flagstones that made up our baseball field. Sometimes we played in teams, but more often than not, let's just say we did a lot of batting and pitching practice. The Mitchells had a big backyard, so it was easy to keep them busy with games and activities until it got dark. After bathtime, we snacked on homemade popcorn and then tucked them into their bunkbeds. They always wanted a bedtime story, and my sister Mary's "Johnny Poop-a-doop" was a favorite. Just last week, while taking with Renee, she told me she's 67, yet I remember her as a toddler; I remember all of them from the time that they were tiny. Our family moved to Merrillville in 1967, but we have stayed in touch. Our hearts go out to the Mitchell kids on the loss of your mom. I will always remember Wanda as being vibrant, loving, and devoted to her family. Anna, the Pearmans, and Feinsteins. - ANNA LOUISE PEARMAN
