Mary Jo Ballard's Obituary
It is with great sadness and love that the family of Mary Jo Ballard announce her peaceful passing on August 18, 2023 at the age of 85.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Mary Jo was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, James. She is also lovingly remembered by her three children, Mary (Edward) Dearnley, James Ballard Jr. , and Michael (Cindy) Ballard. She was a beloved grandmother (Granny) to Stacy Dearnley, David (Brittini) Dearnley, Amanda (Peter) Pretto, and Seth Ballard. She was also a dear great grandmother to Mya Pretto, and Deacon Dearnley. Mary Jo was predeceased by her beloved sister Dorothy (Jack) Ducich, and her brothers, Robert Pyrah, and Norman Warner. She also has a loving brother Chuck (Marcia) Pyrah.
Mary Jo always filled her home with warmth and kindness. She was an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver, and she loved camping, picnics, and playing cards and games with her family. She had a very deep and unwavering faith in God and was believed to have Jesus in her pocket at all times.
She enjoyed working as a volunteer at Shepherd’s Gate Lutheran Church for many years. She was well known for her beautiful cards and heartfelt letters written to loved ones.
She was a member of a pinochle club of friends and neighbors for over 60 years.
Mary Jo will be deeply missed by her family who look forward to being reunited with her gracious and loving spirit in heaven one day.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Shepherd’s Gate Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 14th beginning with a Memorial Gathering at 10:30 am and the Ceremony at 11:00 am.
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