Joan Lois Ballard

Joan was born on November 19, 1940 to Afton (Tony) Robertson and Sarah (Bennington) Robertson in Marshalltown. She attended school in the area and graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1958.

She attended Marshalltown Community College and earned her AA degree. While attending MCC, she met her future husband, Dale Ballard. On August 26, 1961 they were married at the First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown. Joan worked in the Admissions office at Iowa State University while Dale completed his college studies.

She and her husband moved to Baltimore, Maryland and lived in several other states over the years, including Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin, but Iowa was always home to both of them. When they were living in Missouri, Joan completed her college education at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri. After she graduated, she taught third grade in St. Charles at Null school for several years.

When their first child was born, Joan became a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer. Much of her time and effort was spent working with children in 4-H, school reading programs and Sunday school. She served on the Marshalltown School Board and was proud that they were able to get the High School Auditorium approved and built. She enjoyed being part of a number of community organizations, including PEO, Starpha and Assistance League.

As a homemaker, Joan excelled in making the home an inviting and comfortable place for family and friends. Being partial to fruits and vegetables, there was always a healthy sampling of food. She loved hosting family and friends during holidays and other special occasions.

Joan was a giver and a contributor and went to great effort to provide a comfortable home for her family. Home was a great place to be during the day and at the end of the day. Being a teacher, she knew the importance that reading had to do with education and began reading to her daughter and son when they we two years old. She got her children involved in different athletic activities at an early age. Family trips were taken to places such as Yellowstone Park, Disneyland, Washington DC and Disney World.

Her hobbies included knitting, sewing, gardening and baking. She enjoyed sports -- both watching and playing. She played tennis over the years, but when they lived in Ohio, she discovered golf and it became her very favorite!! During retirement Dale and Joan spent their winters in Florida where they were able to have an extended golf season. They loved playing different courses and enjoyed being members at Lincoln Valley Golf Course for more than twenty years.

Surviving are her husband Dale of 65 years, daughter Kristen of Lima Ohio and son Russell (Mary) of Columbus, Ohio and two grandchildren Molly and Brendan and her brother Bob (Judi) Robertson of Nashville, TN and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Jerry Robertson.

Private family only services are planned for a later time

Memorials may be made to First Methodist of Marshalltown on their website at https://www.firstmethodistmtown.org/

Mitchell Family Funeral Home is honored to care for Joan and her family.