Ruth Hunter Ballard passed away on March 27, 2005, at Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, Fla., after a brief illness.

She was born in Marianna, Ark., the daughter of Maude and Frank Hunter Sr. in 1916. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; two sisters; and her husband of 59 years, Willard H. Ballard.

She is survived by a daughter, Suzanne Stewart of Fort Myers and her husband, Charles Stewart; granddaughter, Tracy Stewart McKendry and her husband, Rev. Russell McKendry of Arvada, Colo.; grandson, Darren Stewart and his wife, Asli, of Annapolis, Md.; great grandchildren, Emily McKendry Benton, Zachary McKendry, Jonathan McKendry, Elizabeth McKendry, Hailey Stewart and Ryan Stewart; and one great-great- grandchild, Corey Benton. She is also survived by a brother-in-law Jack Ballard and wife, Peggy, of Piggott; and a brother-in-law, Ned Hardin Sr. of Grady, Ark.; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Ballard graduated from high school in Marianna, Ark., and attended State Teachers College in Conway. Her last employment before retiring and moving to Fort Myers in 1973 was Secretary to the Assistant Postmaster General of the United States in Washington, D.C. She took a two year leave of absence from government employment in the late 60s to go with her husband to Dacca, Bangladesh, where he was employed by the State Department.

She was a faithful member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for many years. She was also a long time member of the Whiskey Creek Country Club.

Memorial services were held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in the chapel. Burial will follow in Piggott.

Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Hope Hospice of Fort Myers, Fla., or the charity of the donor's choice.