Ballard, Muriel (Merle)

Celebration of Life services for Muriel (Merle) Ballard will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English. Pastor Michelle Williamson will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in Millersburg Cemetery, Millersburg.

Muriel (Merle) Ballard was born May 19, 1919, near Warrensburg, Mo., the daughter of James and Nettie (Rodgers) Smith. When she was still young, she moved with her family to Iowa County, Iowa, where she lived the rest of her life. Muriel married Dale Donald Ballard on Jan. 31, 1940, in Marengo. Muriel was a member of the North English Methodist Church and several card clubs. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, quilting and caring for her grandchildren. She was also an excellent cook.

She became a resident of the English Valley Care Center in North English in May 2007. Muriel died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, at the age of 91 years, 7 months, and 26 days.

She is survived by her children, Billy (Kathie) Ballard of Marengo and Joyce (Steve) Parsons of Conroy; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial fund has been established for the North English First Responders, the Iowa County Ambulance Service/ Marengo Memorial Hospital and the North English United Methodist Church.

Memorials and tributes may be left at under obituaries.