BARBARA BALLARD

Barbara Julia Ballard passed away November 22, 2015 at her home in Richland surrounded by her family. She was born in Los Angeles, California on July 6, 1941, to Frank Henry Heinz and Julia Schleder. She is survived by her husband Dave Ballard, her children, Christine, Ken and Melanie; her daughter in-law Michelle; her three grandsons, Anthony, Cole and Ty; and her siblings Carolyn (Joe) Gonzalez, Kathy Espalin and Douglas (Kathy) Heinz.

Services will be held at Christ the King Catholic church Saturday November 28 beginning with a Rosary at 10:00 AM followed by Mass at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Diocese of Yakima retired priests’ fund at 5301 Tieton Drive Yakima, WA 98908 (509) 965-7117.

Barb was raised in Alhambra, CA until the 8th grade when her family moved to Santa Barbara, CA. She attended Catholic schools throughout grammar and high school. She attended Santa Barbara City College and the University of California Santa Barbara earning a BA degree in Education. 

She taught elementary school until her marriage to Dave. They moved their family several times ultimately moving to Paso Robles, CA where the family grew up. Her proudest moments were the births of her children and grandsons. Another proud moment was the celebration of her 50^th anniversary to Dave.

In addition to teaching, she led the Campfire Girls program for San Luis Obispo County, CA, at the same having a Campfire troop of her own.  Later she had a second carrier in real estate and was exceptional in placing people with homes that met their needs without undue burdens. She later founded the Real Estate Book of Kern County.

Music was a passion. She was very involved with the Church, including being a member of the vocal group at Saint Rose of Lima in Paso Robles. She and members of her group sang at the mass in Monterey, CA, celebrated by Pope St. John Paul II.  After moving to the Richland area she volunteered as a librarian at St. Patrick School in Pasco. She was involved with the funereal ministry and quilting group at Christ the King. 

She was a gifted seamstress making clothes, blankets, suits, window draperies and quilts. She was also a poet. But of all her interests she relished being a mother, grandmother and wife the most. She is loved and missed but we know that she is with her savior.