Marian L. Ballard

Marian L. Ballard, 84, of Reinbeck, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 12, 2012, while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice at Parkview Manor in Reinbeck, Iowa. A Memorial service was held on Saturday, June 16, 2012, 10:30 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Reinbeck with Pastor Mike Campbell officiating. Inurnment followed at the Reinbeck Cemetery in Reinbeck. A visitation was held on Friday, June 15, 2012 from 5 to 7 PM at the French-Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck. Memorials may be directed to the family. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please www.abelsfuneralhomes.com.

Marian was born February 12, 1928 in Buckingham, Iowa, the daughter of Loyd and Leona (Larsen) Plaehn. Marian grew up in the Reinbeck area and graduated from Reinbeck High School with the class of 1945. After graduating she attended Gates Business College in Waterloo. Marian was united in marriage to William Ballard in Des Moines, Iowa on September 9, 1953. Marian was a homemaker as her children grew up then went to work for Blair Hunter Law Office and then retired after 20 years from PCI in Reinbeck as a bookkeeper.

Most of all she loved spending time with family and friends especially her grandchildren. Marian was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Reinbeck, where she belonged to the ladies church group. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, swam with the “noon noodlers” and loved to read stories to the kindergarten classes. Marian dedicated her time to volunteer at the Cancer Center in Waterloo.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; granddaughter, L.W. Ballard; sister and brother-in-law Neva and Eddie Botsford.

She is survived by children; Janet Bowen of Burlington, Curt Ballard and his wife Patty of California, and Doug Ballard and his wife Carolyn of Reinbeck; grandchildren, Chris, Marty and Casey Bowen, Hannah Ballard and Mary, Matt, Michelle and Paula Malatek; 3 great grandchildren.