Carolyn L. Ballard

Carolyn Louise Ballard of Holland, formerly of Hamlin Twp., passed away May 10, 2021 at the age of 91. Carolyn was born in Dearborn, MI, May 27, 1929, the daughter of Walter and Flora (Roser) Kautz. She was a teacher, was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids since 1954 and a member of the Square Dance Club. Carolyn was a farmer’s wife who worked very hard and was extremely proud of the 4 children she and her husband Jim raised. She loved to cook, sew, travel and winter in Texas and Florida. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her great joy.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jim; children, Ronald (Karen) Ballard of NC, Cathryn (Phillip) Bowen of Grand Rapids, David (Joanna) Ballard of Hamlin Twp, Bruce (Julie) Ballard of Holland; grandchildren, LaRona (Robert) Jones, Patrick (Aleaha) Bowen, Drew (Lisa) Bowen, Laura (Jaime Koopman) Steffens, Jeff (Melissa) Ballard, Meri (Kristi Kruppa) Ballard, Abbey Ballard, Brandon Ballard; 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. A second Celebration of Life will take place outdoors at Tunnel Park, 66 N. Lakeshore Ave, Holland, MI 49424 on June 27, 2021 from 1-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church, the hospice of donor’s choice, or the Freedom Village Scholarship Fund, 145 Columbia Ave., Holland, MI 49423. To place online condolences, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.