Obituary of Charles Ballard

Charles Ballard, age 85 of Independence, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospice in Edgewood, KY. He was born in Monterey, KY on March 26, 1939.

Charles retired after 42 years as a pressman at Wendling Printing. In his youth he enjoyed fishing, working in his garden, tinkering with his Cadillac, rebuilding small motors, playing the lottery and scoping out yard sales.

After retirement, Charles enjoyed watching all the vehicles pass by his home of 47 years while sitting on his front porch swing. He loved waving to those that honked and was quick to name the make and model of any older vehicle. If you knew him, then you knew he was a great person to be around and was very likely to offer you a tootsie roll or peppermint! Charles was a devoted husband, father, and papaw who will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his father, James Ballard; mother, Christine {Thornton} Stockton; stepmother, Anna Mae Ballard; stepfather, Noble Stockton; brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Ballard; and his half-sister, Ann Rojas.

Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara {Hensley} Ballard; daughter, Donna (Richard) Fletcher; beloved grandchildren, Amber Fletcher and Shawn (Allison) Fletcher; great grandchildren, Bryce Stamper, Kileyan Stamper, Drayden Griffith, Addalee Griffith, and Emory Griffith; siblings, James Underwood, Shirley Barber, Lisa (Tommy) Stephens, and Billy (Dora) Ballard; as well as other friends and relatives who will cherish his memory.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM at Community Family Church, 11875 Taylor Mill Rd. Independence, KY 41051. (please click here for directions to the church)

The funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM, at the church. Immediately following the service, Charles will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Taylor Mill, KY.

If you elect to not send flowers, we encourage you to donate to the Community Family Church building fund in honor of Barbara and Charles Ballard.