Ann Leahy Ballard

Ann Celestine Leahy Ballard died on December 10, 2025 at 90 years of age. Ann was born on November 25, 1935 in Helena, Arkansas. The youngest child, and only daughter of John Francis Leahy (deceased) and Celestine Devereux Leahy (deceased). The family moved to Austin, Texas where Ann attended Saint Ignatius school and Saint Mary’s Academy. She attended the University of Texas an obtained a degree in Education. She taught school in Austin, San Antonio, and in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Ann married Richard Lewis Ballard on September 8,1956. They had three children: Cherie (Lacey), Roxanne (Alberto, deceased) and Mark (Marian) she also leaves Akram Rafla who came to her as a foreign exchange student but returned to his home country as a member of her family; five grandchildren, Richard Cameron (Allie), Roman (Jessica), Natasha (Antonio), Laura (Henry) and Ryan; Ann also had four greatgrandchildren: Anastasia, Elijah, Sarilyne and Markus. Ann was predeceased by her parents, two brothers (John Jr. “Jack”) and David, her husband, stillborn daughter, Michelle and two infant grandson Patrick Minton Ballard and James Morton Ballard.

Ann was a kind and wise woman. She shared her wisdom through funny sayings and thoughtful stories. She strongly believed that the blessed owed a duty to the less fortunate and donated time and treasure to many charities, including to the churches she attended (Emmaus, Lakeway Texas, Our Lady of Sorrows (OLS) McAllen, Texas, and St Louis church in Austin, Texas), and communities she lived in, most notably as serving as the State President of the Texas Medical Association Alliance (1990-91). Kindness was her greatest attribute that she shared without limitation and encouraged all to do as well.

For those who knew Ann or whomever had lunch with her, knew dessert was an important part of the meal to her. This sentiment was often communicated through her favorite saying, “Life is uncertain, eat dessert first”. Her family believes this was her way of teaching us to enjoy life when we get the chance.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your favorite charity. Please also consider honoring her memory by going out and eating a really good dessert.

A memorial mass will be held on January 17, 2026 at Emmaus Catholic Parish, 1718 Lohmans Crossing, Lakeway, Texas 78734 at 11:00 am with a rosary 30 minutes prior. See https://www.emmausparish.org for directions.