Gloria Ann Ballard, 81, of Canon City, CO died January 30, 2013, surrounded by family at Sangre de Cristo Hospice House, Pueblo, CO. Gloria was born January 22, 1932 to Robert and Della Garnett in Los Angeles, CA. The family soon moved to Reno, Nevada where her baby brother "Bob" was born. The family moved to Utah then to Carbondale, CO making home in Glenwood Springs, CO. While growing up in Glenwood Springs, she enjoyed playing cards with her brother, in the back of an old truck with a camper, when Bob would accuse her of cheating, they would get mad at each other and throw the cards out the window, as they were going down the road which upset Dad. Her father found a baby pig alongside the road and took home for the kids. They named him Charlie and he became their new best friend, until after some time, times were tough and Dad butchered the pig. The kids refused to eat Charlie which upset Dad too. She met the love of her life Vernon Stanford Ballard, while roller skating, he was wearing a bright yellow shirt and drove a bright yellow coupe, she was hooked. They had a long distance relationship till Vernon came back, and they were married on June 18, 1950 in Glenwood. Shortly thereafter they moved to Fairbanks, Alaska and resided there until 1978 when they moved to Canon City, CO and made it home. Gloria enjoyed being a homemaker. Gloria belonged to Grand Rebecca Lodge in Fairbanks, Alaska. She also belonged to the VFW Auxiliary for Women. Gloria loved spending time with her grandchildren and shopping. Some of her favorite pastimes were playing cards with family and friends, puzzles, crocheting afghans and blankets. She loved her margaritas at Chiles. Gloria enjoyed her trips to Cripple Creek, loved to travel, and cooking was a favorite hobby. She was known for her potato salad and lasagna. A family tradition was started of having her famous clam chowder every Christmas Eve. She is survived by daughter, Penny (Ron) Rand, Williamsburg, CO, brother, Bob (Marie) Garnett, Buena Vista, CO, grand-daughter Andrea Ballard, Florence, CO, great-granddaughter, Isabell Yeager, Florence, CO., great-granddaughter, Scarlett Wheeler, Florence, CO, adopted daughter, Kara Duncan, Canon City, CO, grandson, Evan Duncan, Canon City, CO, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Vernon Ballard and her parents Tim and Della Garnett. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, Feb. 4th, 1:00 pm at the Historic Gateway Chapel located at West 2nd Street and Santa Fe in Florence, CO. Reception to follow at the family home, 1518 Cedar Street, Canon City, CO. In lieu of flowers donations can made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice House, 1207 Pueblo Blvd. Way, Pueblo, CO. 81005 Private cremation was held. Arrangements made by Runyan Mortuary, Buena Vista, CO. On-line condolences may be offered thru runyanmortuary.com.
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4 Entries
CONDOLENCES FROM THE NIGHT SHIFT AT PARKVIEW 5 TOWER. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
February 6, 2013
Will deeply be missed!
carlnen ontiveros
February 2, 2013
Ms. B was a special lady and a great friend. We will miss her deeply!!!
Roque and Carlene Ontiveros
February 2, 2013
Gloria & Verne were without question the best neighbors I ever had when I met them during the Alaska pipeline days in Fairbanks AK. We shared many stories and laughter about many things including Sadie, my dog, swiping the turkey dinner and Maggie, their dog swallowing the sock that was then pulled out as Gloria tried to escape to another room. The love and friendship we had was unique, unconditional and unparalleled. This was to continue after I moved back to Colorado with memorable visits and special occasions in Canon City, Florence and Colorado Springs with the entire family. May her memory and Verne's memory be eternal!
Jim Travis
February 1, 2013
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