Anita Cornell Ballard, 85, of Marietta, died Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at her residence. She was born January 6, 1927 in Robinson, Illinois to Jimmy and Ester Cottrill Cornell. She was raised in Belmont, WV, graduating from St. Mary's High School. Following studies at Marshall University she was employed at American Cyanamid at Willow Island, WV, where she eventually served as personal secretary to the Technical Director of CyTech. Mrs. Ballard served as Director of Placement at Marietta College for many years, where she successfully coordinated employment opportunities for graduating seniors in a wide range of fields. Her involvement with the students, faculty, and administration at Marietta College was one of her most valued achievements. During her years of employment and retirement, she was involved with several community services, including serving as president of the Marietta Welfare Leagure, serving on the board of The Castle and being a member of PEO. She also relished her many friendships developed through her bridge and book clubs. Anita was gifted in arts and crafts, including locating and refurbishing early American antiques, hand braiding rugs with her friends and husband, designing flower arrangements composed of local flora, and weaving gifts for family and friends on her loom. Family members recall fondly so many activities with her, including local summer outings, beach vacations to the Carolina coasts and board games at home. She also made holidays and birthdays unique family events that are forever cherished. She is known as a warm, loving and caring person and everyone who knew Anita Ballard loved her and cherished her friendship. She is survived by her loving husband, Charlie, whom she married on September 7, 1947, following a chance encounter at an ice cream shop in Belmont. Truth to be told, it was a minor fender bender. Also surviving are her three children, Brett Marcus Ballard (Boua Chanthou) of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Barth Cornell Ballard (Debbie) of San Diego, CA, and Jeanette Fay Jones (Don) of Henderson, NV, six grandchildren, Maya and Shanti Ballard-Downs, Emma and Sarah Ballard, Patrick Kuryla and Ben Jones and two great grandchildren, Kai Ruby and Thida Angel Heng. Mrs. Ballard's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the following for their support and caring assistance provided during her final weeks: the management and staff of Glenwood Retirement Community, the nursing staff of The Pines, the hospice services provided by Marietta Memorial Hospital and each and every member of the in home personal care providers. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Christ United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012, with the Rev. Don Archer officiating. Her burial will be in Mound Cemetery. Donations may be made to Home Health & Hospice, 210 N. Seventh St., Suite 400, Marietta, OH 45750.
