Ruth Reichard Ballard, 100, formerly of Earlville, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
She was born in the Town of Middlefield, NY on May 13, 1914 to Harry and Vaughan Ackley Reichard. Her adult life was spent in Earlville, North Bay and Norwich, NY. A graduate of Oneonta Normal School (now SUNY Oneonta), and later returned to receive her Bachelor’s Degree. Ruth taught elementary school for many years. Her first teaching assignment was in the one room schoolhouse in Vega, NY. Later, she taught in Earlville, Morrisville-Eaton and Hamilton schools. She was married to William J. Ballard for 67 years until he predeceased her on April 10, 2004.
She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Earlville; and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Port Orange, FL. She was also a Life Member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association and the National Education Association.
Ruth is survived by her sons and daughters-in-aw, William G. and Sandra M. Ballard of Norwich; Robert N. and Darlene T. Ballard of Hamilton; seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
A family celebration of her life will be private.
Burial will be in the Earlville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Chenango Valley Home, 24 Canasawacta St., Norwich, NY 13815; or to the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 67, Earlville, NY 13332.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 3 Preston St., Earlville.
To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.