Ricki Smith Ballard Pala

Born on May 6, 1951, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Ricki was the daughter of the late Henry Eugene Smith and Mildred Cherry Smith. She was a graduate of North Iredell High School, Class of 1969, and built a long career marked by a strong work ethic. She spent many years working at the JCPenney Distribution Center in Statesville before serving as a Lead Secretary in both the Rowan County and Wake County school systems, where her organizational skills, dependability, and caring nature left a lasting impression on colleagues, students, and families alike.

Family was the great love of Ricki's life. She found her greatest happiness in being a mother, grandmother, and the heart of family gatherings. Whether she was baking a favorite recipe, working on a craft project, or sharing stories around the table, she created a home filled with love and laughter. She adored her dog, Jack, whose companionship brought her endless comfort and joy. A passionate collector of cookbooks, she was always searching for new recipes and inspiration. She was also known for her competitive spirit, especially during games of contract rummy, where if her daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughters found themselves on the losing end of a match, they would be hearing about it afterward. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she shared, the memories she created, and the deep love she gave so freely to her family.

In addition to her parents, Ricki was preceded in death by her husbands, Leslie Craig Ballard and Francis Joseph “Frank” Pala, Jr.; and her brother, Larry Eugene Smith.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Lesley Ballard Hoch and husband Ben, and Jaime Ballard Ellis and husband Neal; her stepchildren, Joseph Pala and wife Cheryl, Kathleen Harvey and husband Peter, David Pala and wife Lori, Susan Kane and husband Richard, and Jennifer Pala; and her cherished grandchildren, Avery Hoch, Charlotte Hoch, Emma Ellis, Catherine “Catie” Ellis, Kayleigh Harvey, Kelsey Harvey, William Harvey, Jonathan Pala, Hannah Pala, Richard Kane, John Kane, and Abby Dearstyne along with several beloved great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings, Judy Little and husband Mack, Patty Barnes and husband Dallas, and Keith Smith and wife Ginger, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.

A service celebrating Ricki's life will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at New Salem United Methodist Church, 155 New Salem Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Ricki will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her generous heart, her sense of humor, and the warmth she brought to every life she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she shared and the memories she created will remain with her family forever.

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