Marion Louise Parmenter Ballard, 101, of East Troy, went to be with Our Lord on Tuesday, October 13, 2015.
She was born in Columbia Cross Roads, on November 20, 1913, the only child of Brenton J. and Fanny (Gernert) Parmenter.
Marion graduated from Troy High School in 1931 and received a degree in Home Economics from Mansfield State Teachers College in 1936. Upon graduation, she became the first Home Economics teacher at East Smithfield High School.
In 1937, Marion married Leon Ballard and moved to the Ballard Century Farm on Mt. Pisgah. They raised two daughters, Marilyn and Linda, and built a successful Holstein dairy herd. Marion continued her career, teaching day care, kindergarten, and also high school classes in home ec, phys ed, reading and English.
She was born in Columbia Cross Roads, on November 20, 1913, the only child of Brenton J. and Fanny (Gernert) Parmenter.
Marion graduated from Troy High School in 1931 and received a degree in Home Economics from Mansfield State Teachers College in 1936. Upon graduation, she became the first Home Economics teacher at East Smithfield High School.
In 1937, Marion married Leon Ballard and moved to the Ballard Century Farm on Mt. Pisgah. They raised two daughters, Marilyn and Linda, and built a successful Holstein dairy herd. Marion continued her career, teaching day care, kindergarten, and also high school classes in home ec, phys ed, reading and English.
Marion joined the East Troy Baptist Church in 1937 and served as a Sunday School teacher for over 50 years. She was active in the local and county chapters of American Baptist Women. Marion’s steadfast faith and trust in God was a guiding force throughout her life and a wonderful example to all that knew her.
Marion made community service a high priority throughout her life. She served as the first President of both the Troy Hospital Auxiliary and Friends of the Bradford-Wyoming Libraries. She was a founding member of the Troy Fair Home Arts Program, serving as chairman for many years. Marion was a member of both the National Grange and PA Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years and enjoyed her involvement with the Thursday Study Club.
Marion also had a lifelong dedication to the 4-H program, serving as a leader in the East Troy 4-H Club for over 50 years working with thousands of youth. During that period she was involved in various county and regional committees and advisory boards. In recent years, while residing at the Bradford County Manor, Marion completed the PEER training and served as president of the Residents’ Council. Throughout her life, Marion enjoyed reading, knitting and completing crossword puzzles.
Surviving are 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren: Terri Packard (Ernest Kueffner) Boonsboro, MD; Amy Kneller (Eric) Troy; David Packard (Charity) Montgomery, PA; Brent Hulslander (Lauren Elise) Elmira, NY; and Samantha Hughes (Andrew) Jamestown, NY. Cheyenne & Violet Kneller; Anthony, Lily & Jamie Hughes; Joey, Charlie, Arian & Sammy Hulslander and Neveah Gentry.
In addition to her parents, Marion was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Leon Ballard; daughter and son-in-law Marilyn & Richard Packard; and daughter Linda Hulslander.
A celebration of Marion’s life was held at Troy Baptist Church on Saturday, October 17, with Rev. Garry Zuber officiating
Interment followed at the Glenwood Cemetery in Troy.
The family suggests that contributions be made to: Linda Ballard Hulslander 4-H Building maintenance – checks made payable to “Penn State” and mailed to Penn State Extension of Bradford County 200 Main Street Suite 3 Towanda, PA 18848 or the Marilyn Ballard Packard 4-H Scholarship fund - checks made payable to this can be mailed to c/o Amy Kneller 2063 Pisgah Road Troy, PA 16947.
