Trudy L Ballinger, 76, of Rochester, Illinois, passed away on March 23, 2026 after a 5-year battle with Lewy body dementia.

She was born on January 17th, 1950 in Sterling, Illinois, the daughter of Gerald W. and Iva (Palmer) Gamel. Her family lived in Rock Falls for 6 years before moving to Dixon, Illinois, her hometown. Graduating from Dixon High School in 1968, Trudy achieved several academic, leadership, and musical honors. Her favorite parts of high school were serving as editor-in-chief of the Dixini (school newspaper), being a member of the Madrigal Singers, and playing the lead role of Maria in the “Sound of Music.”

Trudy achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree from Millikin University in 1971, and a Master of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 1975. While at Millikin, she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Phi Kappa Phi honors society, the Pom squad, and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Since Trudy was in 4th grade, she always knew she wanted to be a teacher and she fulfilled that goal with 26 total years of educating students of many ages. She taught 3rd grade in Christopher, IL (’71-’76); 7th and 8th grade English at Roosevelt Middle School, Decatur, IL (’77-’79); 1st grade at Cumberland Elementary in Greenup (’79-’80); and ending with 17 years at Tri-City Schools in Buffalo, IL (2nd and 4th grade, and junior high). She was honored for her service with a yearbook dedication from Tri-City Schools, and a selection into the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 1996.

In 1983, Trudy joined the Longaberger Basket Company part-time, and held the Branch, Region, and Director positions. After retiring from teaching in 1997, she sold baskets full-time, achieving top honors in sales, leadership, and recruiting honors over her 31+ total years with the company. She was happy to be the “Basket Lady” to all her customers!

In 1971, Trudy married Marvin Hubbell (they divorced in 1992) and had her two daughters, Andra and Jennifer. On July 10th, 1999, Trudy married the love of her life, Roy Ballinger, and was happily married to him for over 26 years. In retirement, Trudy and Roy traveled widely across the U.S. and abroad; some of their favorites were Peru, England, Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland, Scandinavia, Germany, and Hawaii.

She was an active member of the Rochester United Methodist Church, Chicken Bristle Questers, and Chapters NU and HU of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Most of all, she treasured her husband, children, grandchildren, and special friends, and was always laughing and enjoying life.

Trudy was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and sister-in-law. She is survived by her husband Roy; her daughters Andra (David) Grable of Mansfield, CT and Jennifer (Brian) Switzer of Star, ID; stepchildren Mark (Stephanie) Ballinger of Sherman, IL and Jackie Ballinger of Little Rock, AR; grandchildren Monty and Tobi Grable, Ethan and Madilynn Switzer, Brody and Taylor Ballinger, Ashley and Adrian Delgado, and Catie Wilson; her brother Bennett (Paula) Gamel of Tonganoxie, KS; nieces Kelli (Hayden) Carothers and Emily Gamel; her husband’s nephews Michael (Heather) Johnson and daughter Arabella, and Jason (Jennifer) Johnson and children Harper and Raylan; and many Palmer first cousins.

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter or Rochester United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held at Wilson Park Funeral Home on Monday, April 6th from 10 a.m. to 12:00p.m., with a service starting at noon. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery.