Mary Ruth Ballard

Mary Ruth Gleaton Ballard, 81, of Atlanta, GA passed away on May 16, 2019 after a long struggle with chronic pain followed by an acute illness. Mary Ruth was born on November 6, 1937. She was the daughter of William Earl and Ruth Ray Gleaton and grew up in Arlington, GA. She graduated from Arlington High School, received a Bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan College and married William Heard “Bill” Ballard, Jr. She received her Master’s Degree from Georgia Southwestern College in Early Childhood Education and taught young children for many years in the DeKalb County School system.

Mary Ruth lived her life to the fullest. Raising a son and twin daughters on her own after her husband’s death, she spent summers as a camp counselor so her children could attend, took them camping, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, snow skiing, on church trips and to many visits with extended family. After her children were grown, she joined a motorcycle club, Women on Wheels and rode her motorcycle all over the United States. With the help of dear friends, she fulfilled her dream of building her beloved mountain cabin. She was well-known for her energy, directness, welcoming openness to others, love for her family and her relationship with God. Mary Ruth loved her cats, her garden, bird watching, young children, and the Cabin. Her friends and family will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bill and her son William “Heard” Ballard, III. She is survived by her twin daughters Becky Ballard (Tony) Males of Cambridge, England and Marie (Bert) Ballard-Myer of Athens, GA, her brother Billy Gleaton of Arlington, her sister Becky Gleaton (John) Mynatt of Decatur. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, William Males, Ben Males, Rosie Males, Josh Ballard-Myer and Emily Ballard-Myer.

Interment of Ashes will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery Arlington, GA at 11a.m. on May 31, 2019. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on July 27, 2019 at Campbell Hall Chapel, Columbia Seminary, 701 South Columbia Drive in Decatur, GA. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.