Former University student victim in shooting
Leslie Noble Ballew graduated in 1997
Two people were killed Sunday in the Kansas City shooting in the Ward Parkway Mall.
By Kyle Carter
Thursday, May 3rd, 2007
A University of Kansas graduate was a victim in Sunday’s Ward Parkway Mall shooting in Kansas City, Mo.
Leslie Noble Ballew graduated from the University in May 1997. She was 33.
She was incredibly intelligent, and she was definitely the most mature in the house.
- Lora Farrell
One friend fondly remembered Ballew from their years spent together at the University. Lora Farrell lived with Ballew in a house at 12th and Kentucky streets along with four other roommates while they were students. The two originally met in seventh grade band at Blue Valley Middle School where Ballew played the clarinet. After losing contact, they reunited when Ballew answered an ad that Farrell and her roommates put out seeking another roommate.
“We thought it was kind of funny later that we ended up living together,” Farrell said.
An honors student that worked in Strong Hall during her time at the University, Ballew enjoyed traveling. Farrell said she studied in Ireland one summer and even applied to National Geographic for a boat trip around the world offered by the magazine.
“She was incredibly intelligent, and she was definitely the most mature in the house,” Farrell said.
Jackie Hosey, associate director of University Relations, called the shooting tragic.
“Our condolences go out to Leslie’s family and friends,” she said.
Ballew was one of two victims shot and killed Sunday in the parking lot of the Ward Parkway Mall.
Kansan staff writer Kyle Carter can be contacted at kcarter@kansan.com.
— Edited by Jyl Unruh
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