Obituary of Leona Ballard

DAVENPORT Leona Ballard, 99, of Davenport, died on Friday, December 14, 2012 at the AO Fox Memorial Nursing Home in Oneonta. She was born on April 16, 1913 in Davenport, the daughter of Charles and Minnie (Crandall) Kenyon. She married Cecil Ballard on April 25, 1931 in North Kortright. He predeceased her on September 22, 1974. A life-long area resident, Mrs. Ballard was a dedicated mother and home maker. She spent a life time raising her family and helping to run the family farm; finishing her career and retiring as a line operator at Bendix/Scintilla after 10 years of service there. She was a long-time member of the Davenport Historical Society and the Charlotte Valley Greater Parish, Davenport. An avid crochet hobbyist, she made beautiful afghans and dish towels for friends and family. She spent several cherished years wintering in Florida with her daughters and enjoyed being an active part of her grandchildren and great grandchildren's lives. Mrs. Ballard is survived by 3 daughters, June and John Vela of Vero Beach, Fla., Nancy Ballard and her companion Eileen Knight of Sebastian, Fla., and Margo Ballard of Sebastian, Fla.; 3 sons, Cecil Jr. and Dian Ballard of Alford, Fla., James and Sarah Ballard of Schenevus, and Rudy P. and Beverly Ballard of Laurens; 12 grandchildren, Pamela, Samuel, Sabrina, Dennis, Joseph, Jeannie, Travis, Jennifer, Audrey, Shawn, Tammi, and Daniel; 12 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by a son, Daniel Phillip Ballard; a grandson, Capt. John Vela, Jr. Pilot USMC; a son in law, Robert Maddalone; and 14 siblings. Friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the MacArthur Funeral Home, Davenport. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Valley Greater Parish, Davenport, with Rev. Carol Wilson officiating. Burial will take place in Davenport Cemetery, Davenport. The family would like to thank the nursing staff and caregivers at AO Fox Memorial Hospital Nursing Home for their excellent care and compassion these last six years. In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the Charlotte Valley Greater Parish, PO Box 184, Davenport, NY 13750. Condolences for the family may be left online at www.macarthurfh.com. Arrangements are by the MacArthur Funeral Home of Davenport.