Ruth J. Ballard

Ruth J. Ballard, 92, of Marshalltown, Iowa, was reunited with her beloved husband on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2024.

Per the wishes of Ruth and her family, cremation rites have been accorded. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, February 24 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00 P.M. She will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Born Ruth Janette Buck on January 20, 1932 in Gladbrook, Iowa, she was the daughter of Arthur and Ella (Hoppe) Buck. She attended country school and went on to Gladbrook High School, where she graduated in 1950. The summer after graduation, she met the love of her life, Raymond “Ray” Ballard and the couple was united in marriage on October 27, 1952. They made their home in Marshalltown and were married 35 years before Ray’s passing in 1987. Ruth worked at Marshalltown Area Community Hospital (MACH) for over 20 years.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: David (Judy) Ballard, Roger Ballard and Linda Ballard, all of Marshalltown; grandchildren: Tim Ballard, Mike Ballard and Jessica Daniel; great-grandchildren: Caitlyn Ballard and Caleb Busse; her sister, Carolyn Goettsch; sister-in-law Shirley Hood and nieces: Sarah Nelson, Cheryl Carroll and Jana Nichols.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband Ray, her daughter Janette Lynn Ballard in infancy, her parents, brothers Bob (Henn) Buck and Harold (Donna) Hanson; brother-in-law Art Goettsch, daughter-in-law Lynn Ballard and granddaughter Ella Marie Ballard.