Marlene Elsie Ballard

On Sunday, November 8, Marlene Ballard of Fostoria was reunited with her husband Richard "Dick" Ballard, just hours after their 66th wedding anniversary. She departed the home they shared peacefully, surrounded by the family they made together. Marlene was born on February 16, 1936 near Blanchard, Michigan. There was so much snow the day she was born that the doctor had to come by snowplow, she once told.   In high school, she was a majorette and played basketball. She and Richard married on November 7, 1954, Marlene was proud of her life as a homemaker, dedicated to taking care of her family. She was strong willed, giving, loving, and compassionate, which nurtured four children and three generations of grandchildren. Active and present in their lives, she taught them how to ride bikes, coached softball games, and kept so many hungry mouths full while keeping a spotless home. Her home was a comfort and refuge for all that entered. She was very well-known for her signature dishes, which included bean soup and potato salad. She was also known for being well-prepared. Her purse and minivan kept "everything but the kitchen sink", from peppermints to plastic silverware. Marlene enjoyed gardening, canning, flowers, playing cards, entertaining guests and was incredibly talented at embroidery. She covered dozens of pillowcases and quilts by hand with beautiful, neat stitches that she took pride in. She was often accused of using a machine, but everything she sewed was made with love and given to family, friends, and her community. Marlene touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children Rick (Deb) Ballard of St. Helen, Linda (John) Ortiz of Allegan, Brenda (Mark) Judd of Prescott, and Becky (Richard) Walker of Lapeer; 13 grandchildren and their spouses: Kristy, Ricky, Lisa, Justin, Kelly, Larry (Sandy), Jason (Christina), Carrie, Jolene, Amber, Jacob, Brittney (Shawn), and Brent; 16 great grandchildren: Evan, Benjamin, Brooklynn, Kailyn, Zacary, Austen, Braxton, Logan, Hannah, Brandon, Devon, Cameron, Alexxes, Hunter, Alliya, Allivia; and 7 great great grandchildren: Lindlee, Finleigh, Ace, Emmersyn, Lincoln, Justin and Jaxon. She is also survived by her brother Max (Phyllis) Krouse and sister Martha (Lee) Anderson, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and family friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Ballard, parents Benjamin and Bertha Krouse, several siblings, cousins, and nieces.  Marlene's funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday November 13, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home with Leesa Massman officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-7p.m. and on Friday one hour prior to the service.  Marlene will be interned at the Union Cemetery in Winn following the funeral service.