Ross P. Balling, January 19, 1966 - July 2, 2026.
Ross Paul Balling, 60, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away peacefully at the University of Chicago Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Mary Mother of Mercy Catholic Parish - Notre Dame Campus, 1010 Moore Road, Long Beach, Indiana, with Rev. David Kime officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at church. Arrangements are being handled by the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana.
Ross was born in 1966 in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Charles Balling and Patricia (Pappas) Balling. On August 1, 1992, in Algona, Iowa, he married Diane Thill.
Ross is survived by his beloved wife, Diane (Thill) Balling, and his three treasures, Lukas Balling (21), Livia Balling (19) and Elaina Balling (19) ; his five sisters, Gwenn (Richard) Rausch, Meryl (Ronald) Klages, Karen (Dr. Michael) Stanich, Joan (Mark) Sukowicz, and Barbara (Rodney) Johnson; his two brothers, Charles (Marlene) Balling and Gary (Susan) Balling; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless lifelong friends.
Ross was the youngest of eight children and raised on the southwest side of Chicago and spent many years enjoying nearby public parks. His empathy towards others always impacted those around him. He graduated from Hubbard High School in Chicago, where he was chosen as captain of his basketball team senior year. He attended Iowa Central Community College, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he was recruited to play basketball and met the love of his life, Diane. He was then recruited to play basketball at Roosevelt University in Chicago, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1989.
Following graduation, Ross began his professional career as the Business Manager for Rausch and Associates in Chicago. While working and living near North Ave Beach, Ross and his longtime friend, the late Kyle Gronert, became co-founders of North Beach Chicago, the first ever indoor sand volleyball facility in Chicago. He later found his true calling in sports marketing and founded EVP, building it into one of the nation's most respected volleyball organizations. For almost four decades, Ross dedicated his life to the sport he loved, mentoring and working alongside more than 35 collegiate volleyball coaches while traveling throughout the United States directing EVP pro volleyball tournaments and selling sponsorship, as well as promoting camps, clinics, and opportunities for EVP Academies' young athletes. Through EVP, he inspired thousands of players and coaches, helping them develop not only their athletic abilities but also confidence, discipline, leadership, and lifelong friendships.
Ross was equally passionate about coaching. After moving to the Michigan area, Ross dedicated his “after-work” hours to coaching the New Buffalo High School girls’ volleyball team. Then, once Diane and Ross settled into their home in Michigan City and started their family, Ross volunteered countless hours coaching basketball and volleyball at Notre Dame Catholic School - including his own three children. Later on, Ross became a developmental coach for Marquette Catholic High School boys’ basketball team, guiding and motivating youth to perform at the best of their abilities. Ross also coached both indoor and beach volleyball throughout the Chicagoland area, as well as in our local community of Michigan City. Whether coaching beginners or elite athletes, Ross had a remarkable ability to encourage others to believe in themselves. His enthusiasm, patience, and positive attitude left a lasting impression on generations of young athletes. Many who knew him credit Ross not only for improving their game but for teaching invaluable life lessons about perseverance, teamwork, humility, and character. Ross also contributed to the local Michigan City community by working for the MC Parks and Recreation department in his earlier years, as well as serving as a member of the city's Planning Commission up until his passing.
Above all else, Ross was a devoted husband and father. His greatest joy came from supporting his children in everything they pursued. He was their biggest fan, attending practices, games, and tournaments, always cheering them on with unwavering pride and encouragement. Watching them grow, succeed, and discover their own passions brought him immeasurable happiness. Outside of coaching and directing beach volleyball tournaments, Ross cherished time spent with his family. He especially enjoyed vacations to Florida, relaxing on the beach, riding his bicycle along the shoreline, and creating memories with those he loved most.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, he proudly completed a triathlon in Chicago in his 20s. Ross also possessed a wonderful sense of humor. He loved making people laugh, telling jokes, and bringing smiles to those around him. His vibrant personality and genuine kindness made it easy for others to feel welcome in his presence.
A man of deep faith, generosity, and compassion, Ross lived a life centered on serving others. His unwavering dedication to his family, his athletes, his community, and his faith touched countless lives. His legacy will live on through the many people he mentored, encouraged, and inspired throughout his lifetime.
Ross will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by his family, friends, former players, fellow coaches, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or to the University of Chicago Hospital Cancer Unit, Goldblatt Pavillion, 5841 S. Maryland Ave MC 2115, Chicago, IL 60637.
To sign the guest book or leave online condolences, please visit www.otthaverstock.com.
