Ethel Kay (Ballard) Stroup, age 62 of Three Rivers, died Wednesday Oct. 31, 2012 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo following a long illness. She was born in Three Rivers on Oct. 29, 1950 the daughter of Robert and Mary (Blood) Norton and was a lifetime resident of Three Rivers. Kay was a homemaker and had worked a CIMA Manufacturing, Andrews Elementary, and the South Main Shell. Kay was married to Vern Stroup on June 12, 2009 in Centreville. He survives along with four children, Mike (Becky) Ballard of Three Rivers, Lonnie (Michelle) Ballard of Vicksburg, Chris (Michele) Ballard of White Pigeon, and Angela Brooks of Three Rivers; several step-children; 24 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert Norton, Jr. of Sedalia, MO; five sisters, Sharon (Earl) Palmer and Charlene (Don) Raines both of Three Rivers, Rosie (Roy) Rochholz of Schoolcraft, Pat Anglemeyer of Elkhart, and Robin (Jeff) Atkinson of Three Rivers; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Jessica; and a sister, Caffy Norton. Cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday Nov. 10, 2012 at the Eickhoff, Farrand, Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Funeral services will begin at 12 noon on Saturday at the funeral home with Rev. John Booko, Pastor Emeritus of Riverside Church officiating. Interment of ashes will follow in Poe Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.efhchapel.com