Mary Virginia Ballard, age 91 of Bardstown Ky, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025 at her home with her family by her side.  She was born January 28, 1933 in Loretto, KY. She proudly held the title of "Favorite Aunt", and was loved and respected by all of her nieces and nephews.

Virginia was a retired employee of Heaven Hill Distillery, where she worked for over 45 years.   She loved watching Kentucky basketball and football while wearing her favorite UK gear. She was an avid coffee drinker and loved sweets - especially ice cream! One of her most endearing traits was how she made those around her feel special and that if she said she would do something you didn't have to worry about her following through.  She was the bringer of pretzel salad and perfectly rolled utensils for the 4th of July party, leader of bingo at a nursing home, and dedicated parishioner of St. Joe's where she could be counted on for her famous deviled eggs at bereavement meals. She loved long walks and shopping trips with her sister Sue and with her closest friend JoAnn. She had various traditions that she enjoyed doing with her sisters, brothers, and their families; beach vacations, trips to amusement parks, holiday celebrations, and anything else you can think of.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lida Smith Ballard; five siblings, Wallace Ballard, Tillie Beaven, Sue Ritchie, Happy Ballard, and Ellen Napier, and several nieces and nephews.

Survivors include three siblings, Ruby Badgett of Canton Georgia, Howard Ballard of Bardstown, and Judy Platt (Ron) of Jeffersonville, IN; one brother-in-law, Moise Napier of Mount Washington; 31 nieces and nephews, 65 great nieces and nephews and many great-great nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 59 New Haven Road, Loretto. Rev. Terry Bradshaw will officiate.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The visitation is 4-8pm Friday at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, with a prayer service at 7 pm by Rev. Deacon Joseph R. Dant.