Ginger O. Ballard

Ginger Orpal Ballard was born in Denver, Colorado on April 7, 1937, to Dorothea and James Mason. She was the 2nd of 6 children - Dennis, Ginger, Penny, Jama, Jimmy and Deedee. She moved to Des Moines, Iowa at a young age. She married the love of her life, Thomas Alvin Ballard August 30, 1957. Together they raised 5 daughters Debra (Steve) Wathne, Betty Holland, Tommalynn (Mike) Whitmore, Marjorie (Mike Kasal) Stepp and Dawn (Roger) Lanman.

Ginger worked at Stone Container for many years then went to work at the Des Moines Airport in long term parking until her retirement. Her favorite pastimes were gardening, shopping, collecting porcelain dolls, and reading novels. She also enjoyed watching movies with Doris Day, John Wayne, and Andy Griffith. Her love language was cooking for her large family, chicken noodles and spaghetti were coveted family favorites, and spoiling her grandkids every chance she could.

Ginger passed away at Methodist Hospital following her second battle with Covid on October 27, 2024. She is survived by four daughters, 14 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Ballard, daughter Betty Holland, and two sons in law Michael Whitmore and Roger Lanman.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 12:00 p.m., Friday, November 1, 2024, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, with burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Ginger.

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