Barbara Ballard

Barbara Ballard, 87, of Abilene, TX passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2024.  The Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. following the Rosary with Father Albert of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, officiating. The burial will take place at West Point Military Academy at a later date.  

Born on July 19, 1936, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to Chester and Mildred Lloyd, Barbara grew up in Glen Rock, N.J., not far from New York City.  Her early years were filled with music and ballet. Barbara’s journey through life was nothing short of remarkable. She was known for her vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to family and faith. After graduating from Manhattanville College, she entered the Executive Training Program at the iconic Lord & Taylor’s on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. It was during this time of her life, she met the love of her life, Curt Ballard, who was a cadet at West Point.  They were married at West Point and began a beautiful life together. Barbara embarked on a journey filled with love and adventure alongside her husband, settling in Amarillo, Texas, where they raised a loving family of 4 children together. Barbara’s zest for life led her to pursue a Master’s degree from West Texas State University while nurturing her growing family.  Her love for travel took her to various corners of the world, including Angel Fire, New Mexico, where she and her family gathered cherished memories in the cabin they built together. Barbara’s home was always open to loved ones, where she hosted unforgettable gatherings filled with warmth and hospitality.  Throughout her life, she balanced a successful career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with her commitment to church and community service.  In 2010, Barbara moved to Abilene, continuing her legacy of kindness and generosity through volunteer work.  She will be remembered for her laughter, love, and unwavering spirit.  Barbara leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion to her 5 grandchildren, who she loved so dearly.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, J.H. Curtis Ballard, her father, Chester Lloyd, her mother, Mildred Lloyd, and her brother, Chester Lloyd.

Barbara is survived by her children, Curtis Ballard of Huntsville, AL, Richard Ballard and his wife, Amy, of Huntsville, AL, David Ballard and his husband, Luis, of Miami Beach, FL and Mary Devanney of Abilene, TX, her 5 grandchildren, Hannah Ballard and Aranelle Ballard, both of Huntsville, AL, Miller Devanney and Sadie Devanney of Abilene, TX and Victoria Ballard of Huntsville, AL.

Pallbearers will be John Devanney, Miller Devanney, Stacy McKee, Jackson Thompson, and John Paul Tople.

Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.  The family of Barbara Ballard wishes to extend our sincere gratitude for all the help and support to all the amazing staff of Lyndale Memory Care and to the clergy and parishioners of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.