of Cave City, AR
March 1, 1936 - August 5, 2024
Harriet M. Ballard, 88, of Cave City passed away Monday, August 5, 2024.
She was born in Flint, Michigan to Clarence and Jessie Marie (Beaton) Herweyer on February 29, 1936, but the doctor wouldn't recognize the leap year, so on paper her birthday became March 1, 1936.
Harriet spent her early summers in northern Michigan on her family's tree farm and at the family cabin at Canada Creek, Michigan. She married the love of her life, Glen Ballard on May 28, 1954 in Flint, Michigan. Harriet worked for General Motors Institute and retired from A.C. Spark Plug after 30 years of service. Together, they raised their three children until retiring in 1987 to Arkansas. There, they started their second career, raising cattle in Arkansas until 2021 shortly before Glen passed away.
Harriet bowled for many years, both in Michigan and Arkansas. She began doing water aerobics in retirement and assisted in teaching classes at Lyon College and the Batesville Community Center. She was always feeding her family both with food and comfort. She was best known for her holiday spreads and her fried chicken dinners. She never let you step away from the table hungry and always made sure to cater to each person's preferences. Usually, you rolled away from the table because you were still full and 15 minutes later she had an assortment of homemade pies and desserts (apple, pecan, pumpkin and peanut butter pies were staples)!
She was a member of Foxy Ladies Red Hat Society, Regal Roses Red Hat Association and previously a member of Women's International Bowling Congress, Arkansas Cattleman's Association, American Kennel Association where she showed dogs with her husband in her early years and Northeast Arkansas Angus Association.
She was empathic and had a sixth sense about her because she always could feel if something was going on with any of her loved ones, no matter how far away they were. She loved her family deeply always worrying about all of them and keeping tabs.
Survivors include one son, Glen Allen Ballard (Jean) of Michigan; two daughters, Rebecca Ballard-Cole (Robert) of Ohio, Jennifer Ballard Barron (Dean) of Oklahoma; one sister, Sherrill Barker (Don) of Florida; four grandchildren, Jessica Ward (Joe) of Florida, Christain Ballard of Michigan, Kasey Glen Barron of Oklahoma, Kelly Lynn Barron of Oklahoma and one great-grandchild, Mia Ward of Ohio.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glen James Ballard; three brothers and three sisters, Bernice Wilmarth, Henry Herweyer, Violet Herweyer, Marie McClain, Murray Herweyer, Carl Herweyer; one daughter, Baby Girl Ballard and one granddaughter, Katie Lee Barron.
Pallbearers are Glen Allen Ballard, Dean Barron, Kasey Barron, Ronnie Carlton, Jeremy Chapman and Joe Ward.
Funeral services will be held at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville at 11:00am on Friday, August 9, 2024 with Caleb Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Mount View Cemetery, east of Cave City on Hwy 230.
Visitation will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am just before the service.
Memorials may be made in her name to Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Sign Guestbook
18 Condolence(s)
Ray & Cathy Landers
Friday, August 9, 2024
We are sad to hear of the passing of our neighbor, Harriett. May God comfort her family & loved ones.
Lester & Ann Ballard
Friday, August 9, 2024
Harriet was the glue that held the family together. She will be missed. Sending our hugs and prayers and a contribution to her memorial. God Bless each of you.
Kate Hester
Thursday, August 8, 2024
I did not know Harriet personally but through the tributes to her here and from what Jennifer (Jenny) has shared with me, I know that I would have loved and admired her. I am praying for everyone that loved her and rejoicing with you that she is home according to His promise! My family will be making a donation in her name to the Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Kate
Lisa McLaughlin
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Rebecca and family I’m so sorry for your loss. Thought and prayers to everyone.
Annie
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Becky I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm thinking about you and sending prayers.
Olene Batey
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Thankful I got to know you.
Tiffany Johnson Hicks
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
So sorry to hear of Harriets passing. She was such a good friend to my mother. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Torie Damiani
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting her, Harriet’s kindness and hospitality was well-known to anyone close with Jessica. What an incredible life she lived and a wonderful family she built who will surely share stories of her for years to come. Sending our love to her family and wishing you a festive celebration of her life.
Xo
Torie, Jason and Alexander
Nancy Roberts
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Sending my Condolences to the family. She will be greatly missed. She will be missed in the neighborhood.
Bryan Hatfield
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear about Harriet passing. She was a good friend and neighbor. We will miss her.
Todd, Resa and Stephanie Bolin
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
She was such a joy to be around. I love getting to visit with her. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Morgan Reed
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Harriet was my great-grandmother's best friend and neighbor. Maebell Sisk sometimes resented Harriet babysitting her, but boy were we sure glad she did. They had an arrangement. When Mawmaw got up and around, she'd open her blinds. If Harriet didnt see those blinds open, shed call.
When Mawmaw had a heart attack, she was first on the scene, and she cried out "Oh dear Lord don't take my best friend!" He heard her. Mawmaw only recently went to heaven at 92 years old, and I know she and Harriet just have to be neighbors.
Some of my earliest memories are of watching Mr Glenn call the cattle and Harriet dropping in just to check on everyone.
She was a dear lady. Praying for you all as you miss her. If you know Jesus like she and my grandmother knew Jesus, be assured, you'll see her again.
Much love.
Winnell calhoun
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Harriet was a good friend and for years a wonderful neighbor. I will miss her.
Beth Winston
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Harriet was such a great part of my childhood and continued to be like family to me and my family. I have so many wonderful memories of her and Glen. She will be missed. All my love to her family
Eileen Sherril barker
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Condolences to the family. I will miss you sweet sister
Wendy Kipp (Barker)
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
So sorry to hear of Aunt Harriet passing. Mom is going to miss her terribly, they spoke every single day. I have heard many stories about them as kids and I know they have grown very close these last few years. May God give you peace and comfort through this difficult time.
Virginia Wray
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
So very sorry that I can’t be there, Jenny. I expect you to call me on your return trips to Arkansas. My best to your kids and siblings. It was an honor and a delight to know your mother.
Michelle Barker
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
I have great memories of my aunt Harriet. She was always kind to me. She will be missed greatly, especially by my mother Eileen her youngest sister. My thoughts are with her daughters in this difficult time