Ralph Donald Ballard

September 21, 1924 - August 1, 2020

Ralph Ballard went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 1, 2020 at the age of 95. He was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Ferndale. Ralph was an entrepreneur most of his life owning an A & W Root Beer stand in the 40’s. He married Bonnie in 1951 and they lived in Hazel Park until moving to Warren where they raised two children and lived most of their adult life and then moved back to Hazel Park last year. He started his own printing business after learning the trade while working in the industry during the 50’s and early 60’s. Ralph loved to create and engineer processes for producing unique printed items and was known for his ability to do the seemingly impossible. Greater than his love for printing was his love for his wife, his family, and his Lord. Ralph had a passion for evangelism and served in many capacities at First Baptist Church of Hazel Park, one of which was the children’s bus ministry for Sunday School and Church. After retiring in 2002, Ralph loved to garden with his granddaughter and talk horses with his grandson. His real joy came when he was able to hold and talk to his great-granddaughter Adeline and see her learn to walk. Ralph is survived by his wife Bonnie, children Sylvia (Dave) Hulbert, Martin (Karen) Ballard, grand children Kathryn (Tony) Faraj, Noah (Katelyn Krause, Fiancee) Ballard, and great-granddaughter Adeline Faraj. Instate Saturday, August 15th from 10 am until the time of the service at 11 am at First Baptist Church of Hazel Park, 23321 S Chrysler Dr, Hazel Park, MI 48030. Burial at White Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Hazel Park, which is located at 23321 S Chrysler Dr, Hazel Park, MI 48030.