Obituary of E. Marzel Ballard

Eddith Marzel Ballard, 93, of Niles, passed away at her home on Monday, October 24, 2011 with her family by her side. Marzel was born on July 24, 1918 to the late Charles and Dora (Adkisson) Fortner in Mt. Vernon, Arkansas. She was one of seven children. On May 13, 1939 Marzel wed the love of her life, Cecil Ray Ballard, at a ceremony in Cardwell, Missouri. Together they had three children. Marzel faithfully worked as a dietician for Pawating Hospital in Niles until her retirement in 1980. Marzel loved to watch the cooking channel, and with that came her love to cook for her family. She was a very crafty person and when she was younger Marzel loved sewing, embroidery and arts and crafts. Marzel was also an avid bird watcher, it gave her great joy and relaxation to watch a hummingbird buzz around. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Cecil Ballard, son Harold (Shirley) Ballard, grandson Joe Whitfield, granddaughter Candice "Kandi" Ballard and siblings Aubrey Fortner, Lucille Riggs, Oleta Freeman, Elsie Fortner, Elvin Fortner and D.C. Fortner. Eddith is survived by her children: Linda Ballard of Niles and David (Carol) Ballard of Niles, grandchildren: Debbie (John) Davis of Schwartz Creek, Michigan, Greg Ballard of Union, Michigan, Gina (Tim) Karasek of St. Johns, Michigan, Wendy Jordan of Niles, Jamie Ballard of Niles, Belinda (Dan) Byrd of Niles, Melissa (Will) Warner-Talcott of South Haven, Michigan and Trisha Ballard of Niles, great grandchildren: Alison, Kristen, Challis, Kelsey, Christopher, Reagan, Andrew, Richard, Courtney, Jacob, Jenna, Jarrod, Cassidy and Landon, daughter-in-law Carla Collmer of Niles, sister-in-law Carrie Fortner of Berrien Center, Michigan and foster mom, friend and wonderful caregiver Marsha Kennedy of Niles. Funeral services to honor Marzel's life will be held on Friday, October 28, 2011 at 10:00 in the morning at Brown Funeral Home, with a time of visitation on Thursday from 5-7. Marzel will be interred at Union Cemetery in Berrien Center, Michigan. Memorial donations may be made in Marzel's memory to Lakeland Hospice.