Lena Ann Ballard passed away peacefully in her home in Ozark Missouri, May 25, 2022 at the age of 77.  In her final days she was surrounded by the family she had devoted her life to building with her husband of 59 years, Don Larry Ballard.

Lena was born in Granby, Missouri and grew up in Monett, Missouri.  Lena and Larry raised their family in Pleasant Hope, Missouri.  Lena and Larry spent their later years in Nixa and Ozark, Missouri developing multiple subdivisions in Christian County.  Lena and Larry have called Ozark, Missouri home for more than 20 years.

Lena  was always looking to expand her knowledge through her love of reading, self- education and formal education.  Lena received her Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University in 1989 and graduated Summa cum laude.

Lena was always up for adventure and enjoyed family traditions including hosting weekly Sunday dinners, annual float trips, fourth of July parties, Easter egg hunts, Superbowl parties, and trips to the horse races.   She enjoyed traveling with family and her ‘grandma’s club’.  She loved being a part of her grandchildren’s lives, attending grandparent days, sporting events, band competitions and more.  Her home and heart was always open to anyone looking to find a place to belong or just hang out.

Lena was preceeded in death by her son Robert Ballard, her daughter in-law Tiffany Ballard, her son in-law John Scott Jr., grandson Collin Bettis, father Milford Smith, mother Mayme Holmes Smith, and brother David Smith.

Lena is survived by her husband Don Larry Ballard, son Donnie Ballard, his wife Sherry Ballard, son Jeff Ballard, his wife Marsha Ballard, her son Mike Ballard, daughter Ammie Scott Motes, her husband Shawn Motes and her sister Laverna Williamson.

Lena is also survived by her grandchildren, Nichole Pichler, Brandon Thomas, Kendra Johnston, Elora Ballard, Kara Call, Alyssa Ballard, Miranda Kerckhoff, Josh Ballard, John Robert Scott, Brittany Ballard, McKenzie Scott, Margo Motes, Macy Ballard, Colton Ballard, and Madi Ballard.  Great Grandchildren, Frankie Pichler, Skyler Thomas, Clayton Kerckhoff, Harper Mihlfeld, Magnolia McEntire, Ella Pichler, Denver Thomas, Emmett Kerckhoff, Daxon Pender, Vera Kerckhoff and Jaiden Johnson.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Lena Ann Ballard at Greenlawn Funeral Home East on Tuesday, May 31 from 5:00-7:00 pm.  Service will be held on Wednesday June 1, at 10:00 am.