Carol Balla Hutzell

Carol Balla Hutzell, known for her elegance and grace, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, March 7, 2025  at the age of 84. She was born on Christmas Day 1940, was raised in Leechburg, Pennsylvania, to her parents Delfina Maridon and Joseph Balla who preceded her in death. 

Her family home in Leechburg was always filled with Carol and her sister Barbara’s friends. Carol graduated from Leechburg High School in 1958 where she was head Majorette. Upon graduation, Carol attended the University of Pennsylvania and was crowned the Queen of the Military Ball in 1959. She graduated in 1960 from the School of Oral Hygiene. 

After college; Carol married James L.Tito  and together they raised 3 children - Jeffrey Tito, Jennifer Tito, and Pamela Harney in Ligonier. In 1984, she married Larry Hutzell and brought together their two families, blending Jeffrey Tito, Molly Hutzell Newton, Jennifer Tito, Pamela Harney and Lucas Hutzell, and two grandchildren, Lauren Tito and JB Tito along with many family pets.

Carol was a beautiful person inside and out, always putting her family and friends first. A fantastic cook and her cheesecake was famous at dinner parties and family gatherings. During Larry’s summer breaks from teaching at Valley School, the two ran Pee Wee’s in Ligonier, a local ice cream shop. The entire school looked forward to Larry bringing Carol’s ice cream cakes.

Carol and Larry retired in 2000 to Sunny Hilton Head, South Carolina to join Barbara where they enjoyed a lifelong close relationship with Barbara until her passing in 2012. They loved the beach, having their grandchildren spend summers with them, entertaining friends and family; and returned to Ligonier in 2019 to be closer to family. 

Carol was a faithful Catholic, involved in many church activities and gave back to her community.  She loved spending time with family and her beloved dog Sadie, traveling with the grandchildren, attending West Virginia University football games, cooking, gardening and dancing.

Most of all she loved her husband Larry. They were married for over 40 years and unfortunately could not live without each other, passing just six days apart. She leaves behind the family that she and Larry brought together along with her nieces Joanne Thomas and Jamie Stephens and their families.  

Carol’s life was celebrated in a private service at Holy Trinity Church in Ligonier. In lieu of Flowers the family requests that if you desire to do something in her/their honor - please make a donation to The Valley School of Ligonier- in honor of Mr & Mrs Larry Hutzell.