Elaine Louise Ballance-Wurmnest – Lany – arrived on this earthly plane to Richard and Shirley Ballance in Gibson City, Ill. on March 12, 1958. From the tender age of 3 she manifested a musical talent that would eventually bring her to Eureka Springs, Ark. One could say she grew up in Cass County, Ill., but she would say differently as she never wanted to grow up and never got taller than our grandmother at 5’2”. She had two brothers, Dave and Andy and one “big” li’l sis, Jules.
In her young adulthood she birthed three children: Amy, Gary and Josh. While raising her family she continued to pursue her dreams of being a rockstar. She formed several bands in the central Illinois area and began touring. In 1990 she met the love her life, Charlie Wurmnest. They were wed February 14, 1991, in Eureka Springs, following a Wurmnest family tradition set by his parents and grandparents of marrying their Valentines on Valentine’s Day.
At this point she struck out on her own with her faithful roadie, soundman and #1 groupie, Charlie, touring through the Midwest as “The No Man Band – a one man band with no man,” eventually planting roots in Eureka Springs and “Livin’ on Eureka Time.”
As a classically trained pianist and flautist who could master any instrument placed in her hands, she collaborated with many artists in and around the Eureka area. She composed her own lyrics and musical pieces that produced several albums over her 40+ year career. She participated in and won a Beale Street Music Festival that opened the door to open for performers such as Dr. John and Marshall Tucker. She could blow your hair back with a Janis Joplin tune and the next song would bring you to tears.
While playing music she also employed herself as a medical transcriptionist from the home. With her gifted hands and many talents, she retired from the medical field and spread her artistical wings into many mediums; skills she had honed over the years: seamstress, knitting, crocheting, abstract art and, of course, TIE-DYEING. Charlie said it best, “Whatever she put her mind to, she would accomplish.”
Lany always had smiles and hugs to offer anyone in need. Her spirit and light shined brightly on all who crossed her path. Her smart, witty humor, and kindness to others will be a cherished gift to us all.
Lany “graduated” on November 24, 2023, in the arms of her beloved “Val” after her final loadout from the hospital by her husband, son and sister, fittingly, by panel van. “The Great Holiday Rescue Operation, 2023.”
She is preceded in death by her father, Richard “Dick” Ballance. Survived by her mother, Shirley Ballance of Beardstown, husband Charlie of the home, brothers and sister, children and stepchildren, several grand and great-grandchildren, uncle(s) and cousins, numerous nieces and nephews and greats.
She will be sorrowfully missed by innumerable friends, loved ones, fans and admirers.
A celebration of life will be held on March 12, 2024, in Eureka Springs at a location to be determined. Donations to Flint Street Food Bank, Eureka Springs, Ark., and Cass County Food Pantry, Virginia, IL will be greatly appreciated. An account at Equity Bank Eureka Springs has been established to help defray travel expenses for Charlie during her hospitalization.
So, now, my “Li’l” big sis, “Take another little piece of my heart now baby,” and fly high.
This piece is beautifully written, Lany would be proud.