Mamie Rita Weyburn Ballard, 82, of Porter, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025. She was born on September 14, 1942, in Pensacola, Florida, to Percy G. Weyburn and Eva Mae Price Weyburn Ard.
Rita lived a life filled with love, kindness, and devotion to her family and friends. She was known for her generous spirit, warm smile, and sweet laugh. With her compassion, she touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Throughout her life, Rita experienced the beauty of life in Pensacola, Florida, Lillian, Alabama, and the Houston, Texas area. Born in Pensacola, she was raised near the Flora Bama line. Her strong and confident mother, Eva, guided her in her walk with Jesus, and they often attended Warrington Church of Christ. Rita married Harold at a tender age and enjoyed over 67 years of devotion and dedication to each other. No stranger to the road, Rita and Harold moved to Texas, bringing them closer to family and friends and allowing her to create lasting connections and memories in her community. Rita enjoyed traveling with her family and especially enjoyed the annual Ballard Brothers gatherings. She had a rich connection with her brothers and sisters-in-law.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Percy G. Weyburn and Eva Mae Price Weyburn Ard; her daughter, Rhonda Renee Ballard Diehl; her grandson, Anthony Ballard; her brother, Gorden Wayne Weyburn; nephews Gorden Weyburn Jr., Gregory Weyburn and Dennis Ballard, and her niece, Jodi Lynn Weyburn, as well as her brother-in-law Walter and sister-in-law Katy Ballard.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Harold L. Ballard; her loving daughter, Angela Ballard; son-in-law, Matthew Diehl; grandchildren, Jennifer Diehl Broadbent, Christopher Diehl, and Michael Ballard; grandson-in-law Kevin Broadbent; great-grandchildren, Eva, Ryan, Sarah, and Kevin M. Broadbent; her brother, Mark Weyburn and his wife, Jeanne; nieces, Darla Johnson and husband Larry Johnson, and Nicole Weyburn; brother-in-law Victor and his late wife Linda, brother-in-law Carlos and his wife Martha, brother-in-law Don and his wife Merry, sister-in-law Beverly wife of the late Ernest Ballard; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
A service to honor Rita's life will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Visitation is at 11 AM, with a service at Noon; graveside to follow. All events will be held at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 1985 W 9 Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32534. All are welcome to join the family for a reception following all services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lake Houston Church of Christ in her memory.
Her love, laughter, and kindness will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
