Iris H Ballard

Iris Loraine Hamilton Ballard was born February 9, 1934 in Rexburg, Idaho to Milton Parley Hamilton and Cora Melba Bates. She passed away in her home in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 5, 2013 surrounded by her loving family.

Iris attended public schools in Rexburg, Idaho, graduating from Madison High School in 1952. She attended Ricks College and Utah State University where she played the clarinet in the marching band. She lived for a time in New York City working briefly as a flight attendant, and she traveled around the country visiting many big cities. Iris was proud of her Idaho heritage and her upbringing, speaking fondly of her youth. She was a connoisseur of potatoes and all things Idaho.

Iris married Rauland (Ron) Ballard, a handsome lineman for the power company, on June 16, 1961. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They settled in the East Millcreek area of Salt Lake City where she lived until her passing. Ron passed away April 9, 1992. Ron and Iris are reunited today after 21 long years of separation. They had two beautiful daughters, Connie Loraine and Rhonda Lee, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, the youngest being born just five days before her passing. She was so proud of her family and loved them dearly. Iris was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Iris had a magical way with people, even strangers and store clerks, becoming an instant friend, learning about them and their family, and keeping track and remembering their names and life stories. She was a dear and true friend to many people. She knew and loved everyone she met, and they loved her. A special thanks to Colleen Emery and Marcia Moon for all their love, support and care of her. She loved you both dearly.

She is survived by her sister Cora Jean and Reed Squires, of Rexburg, Idaho and her extended family. Also survived by her two daughters and their families: Connie and Kent Kevern, Lindsey K. and Donald Terry, with Brooklyn and McKynlee, Courtney K. and Nick Stenquist, Kacey Kevern, Kelsey K. and Chris Cunningham with Kenton, Stephanie Kevern, Rhonda and Roger Jackson, Katie J. and Claymore Hardman, Steven and Emilee Jackson, Elder Blake Jackson (serving in the Charleston, West Virginia Mission) and Camille Jackson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Chapel, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Family visitations and greetings will be held the night before from 6:00 to 8:00pm and one hour prior to the service. Internment will be in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.